• Partnership Conflicts • Ferry Trial Jury Continue, P. 4 Selected, P. 5
School Board Squirms, P. 8 Counties Assisted, P. 9
Statewide Edition A Monthly Journal of News, Analysis, and Opinion from June 2006 • Vol. 15, No. 6 the John Locke Foundation www.CarolinaJournal.com www.JohnLocke.org Gov. Easley Got Pricey Lot at Bargain Price
property for a profit. Waterfront lot located Easley bought the lot from Can- Gov. Mike Easley’s nonsgate developer R. A. North Devel- in gated community lot at the exclu- opment, Inc. of Matthews. Randolph M. Allen of Matthews is listed as the sive Cannonsgate company president, according to the on Bogue Sound N. C. secretary of state’s corporation development on records. Allen’s signature is on Easley’s By DON CARRINGTON Bogue Sound is deed. In June 2005 Easley appointed Executive Editor Allen to a six-year term on the Wildlife RALEIGH at the entrance to Resources Commission ov. Mike Easley appears to have Real estate investor Lanny Wilson received a bargain price on a the marina and is of Wilmington, through his company waterfront lot that he purchased Cannonsgate Investments, LLC, pro- Gin December from a real estate developer protected by sand- vided $12.5 million in financing for the he appointed to the Wildlife Resources bags. project. Wilson’s deed of trust to Allen’s Commission. An Easley appointee to CJ Photo by Don Carrington company is dated July 8, 2005. Wilson the N. C. Department of Transporta- is a major political donor to Easley and tion Board is also involved in the new paid. Some lots are now being offered were not recorded until late October. other Democrats. Easley first appointed Cannonsgate community where the lot at $800,000. Carolina Journal has been unable to de- him to the Real Estate Commission and is located. Property tax records show that termine the amount of a typical deposit later to the N.C. Board of Transporta- Carteret County land records show Easley’s property is one of the most or the terms of a typical sales contract. tion. He reappointed Wilson in March Easley and his wife, Mary, paid $549,880 valuable lots in the new 525-lot, 287-acre, No home construction has begun, but 2005 to a four-year term on the Board of Dec. 16 for the 0.36-acre lot at the Intra- Cannonsgate subdivision situated on roads, utilities and other infrastructure coastal Waterway and the entrance to the mainland across from Emerald Isle are under construction. CJ has been un- the Cannonsgate marina. An adjoining Beach in Carteret County. The lots were able to determine whether Easley plans lot sold for $150,000 more than Easley first offered June 2005, but the first deeds to build a home on the lot or resell the Continued as “Gov. Easley” Page 3 New State Ethics Bill Would Set Bar Higher for Officials
By DON CARRINGTON ecutive branch employees are contained nation of the violator’s employment or filed his economic interest statement Executive Editor in an executive order. State laws apply board position. Concealing information five months after it was due. The Ethics RALEIGH sanctions or criminal penalties to only or providing false information could Board has not received Allen’s current he N.C. House approved an a few situations. The new laws would lead to criminal charges. statement, due May 15. executive branch ethics bill May apply to top executive branch employees Before becoming law, the ethics bill • Lanny Wilson of Wilmington, 16 that might pose a challenge as well as to all appointees to boards and must be approved by the state Senate. appointed by Easley to the Board of Tfor Gov. Mike Easley and at least three commissions. Those who would have been affected Transportation. Last year Wilson filed men he has appointed to state boards. Under the new provisions, failure by the bill’s provisions, had it been in his economic interest statement almost If the bill had been in place last year, all to file the required annual statement of force, are: six months after it was due. The Ethics four may have received fines or criminal economic interest within 30 days its due • Randolph M. Allen of Matthews, charges for failure to comply. date could result in a $250 fine. Failure to appointed by Easley to the Wildlife Current ethics guidelines for ex- file within 60 days could result in termi- Resources Commission. Last year Allen Continued as “New Ethics” Page 2
Are you willing to end temporary 80taxes since state has $2B surplus? The John Locke Foundation NONPROFIT ORG. Contents 200 W. Morgan St., #200 U.S. POSTAGE Raleigh, NC 27601 PAID RALEIGH, NC State Government 3 PERMIT NO. 1766 Washington 6 Education 8
Yes 82 % Higher Education 12 No 12 % Local Government 16 Books & the Arts 20 Not Sure 7 % Opinion 24 Parting Shot 28 John William Pope Civitas Institute Poll, May 2006 CAROLINA C a r o l i n a North Carolina JOURNAL Journal New State Ethics Bill Would Set Bar Higher Richard Wagner Continued from Page 1 that he owned on his economic interest Garrett is not a principal in Southport Editor statement. Marina, Inc. Board has also not received Wilson’s In December, Easley paid $549,880 But if Garrett’s role in the company Don Carrington current statement. for a home site in the 525-lot subdivi- changed, a letter obtained by CJ indicates Executive Editor • Charles “Nick” Garrett of sion. Wilson has substantial real estate the change was well after the lease was Wilmington, appointed by Easley to Paul Chesser, Michael Lowrey holdings in North Carolina. He provided approved. “As you all know by now, Donna Martinez the Clean Water Management Trust more than $12 million of the initial fi- investors Tim Smith, Julian ‘Bubba’ Rawl Associate Editors Fund Board. Last year Garrett failed to nancing for Cannonsgate. and Nick Garrett purchased Southport file an economic interest statement. The Nick Garrett Development was Marina as of January 2006 and subse- Chad Adams, Shannon Blosser, Ethics Board received Garrett’s current the general contractor for a $150,000 quently assumed the property lease,” Andrew Cline, Roy Cordato, statement by fax after working hours renovation of Easley’s home on the Cape said a Feb. 28 letter from Southport Paige Holland Hamp, David Hartgen, on the May 15 deadline. Under the new Fear River in Southport. The project was Marina, Inc. to all boat-slip holders. Sam A. Hieb, Lindalyn Kakadelis, law, Garrett could have lost his board started and completed in 2001 soon after Since Garrett did not file the Mitch Kokai, George Leef, position for failing to file his statement. Easley first took office as governor. Gar- required economic interest report last Maximilian Longley, Rick Martinez, The Clean Water Board voted last week rett and Wilson are partners in a com- year, his relationship with the company Karen Palasek, Marc Rotterman, to put Executive Director Bill Holman pany that is developing condominiums is unclear. He did not list Southport Mike Rouse, R.E. Smith Jr., on probation for three months for man- adjacent to the state-owned Southport Marina, Inc. on his latest filing. Garrett Jack Sommer, John Staddon, agement-related issues. Garrett was Marina. Garrett has been trying to ac- has not returned several phone calls Jim Stegall, George Stephens, one of two board members who voted quire other land adjacent to the marina from CJ seeking further information on Jeff Taylor, Michael Walden, against the measure, hinting that he and tried to buy the marina property his involvement in Southport Marina, Karen Welsh, Hal Young would have preferred a stronger stand, Contributing Editors from the state last year. or on the details of the remodeling job the Wilmington Star-News reported. “In Last year, Easley pushed for a he did for Easley. Richard Carney, my opinion, I felt Bill needed to be more new lease for the new owners of the The bill is one of several that have Brent Lucas, Michael Moore accountable,” Garrett said, as reported company that operated the marina, and been introduced in response to the scan- Molly McCullough by the paper. the Council of State approved the new dals revolving around House Speaker Jenna Ashley Robinson, The three appointees all are in- lease in January 2006. Numerous news Jim Black. Last year, lottery Commis- Dion Terry, Haley Wynn volved in real estate development and, reports stated that Garrett was one of sioner Kevin Geddings, a Black ap- Editorial Interns coincidentally, all three have ties to the owners of the company, but Easley pointee, failed to disclose that Scientific Easley’s personal real estate transac- failed to disclose his business relation- Games, one of the companies seeking Published by tions. Allen is the president of R. A. North ship with Garrett (the home-renovation to run the state lottery, had paid him. The John Locke Foundation Development, Inc., the company that is project) before he pushed for approval Geddings was indicted by a 200 W. Morgan St., # 200 developing the Cannonsgate waterfront of the new lease. federal grand jury May 18 on charges Raleigh, N.C. 27601 community in Carteret County. Allen In March, Easley spokeswoman of deceiving the state and the lot- (919) 828-3876 • Fax: 821-5117 did not list Cannonsgate as real estate Sherri Johnson told Carolina Journal that tery commission. CJ www.JohnLocke.org
Jon Ham Vice President & Publisher Easley Adds Own Ethics Proposals to the Mix John Hood By PAUL CHESSER Chairman & President Associate Editor Bruce Babcock, Herb Berkowitz, RALEIGH James Culbertson, Jim Fulghum, s ethics and lobbying reform Bill Graham, Robert Luddy, ideas fly around the House and Assad Meymandi, Baker A. Mitchell, Senate, Gov. Mike Easley an- Jr., Carl Mumpower, Maria Ochoa, Anounced his own proposals Wednesday J. Arthur Pope, Tula Robbins, on how to hold elected and appointed Thomas A. Roberg, David Stover, officials in state government more ac- Robert Stowe III, Andy Wells countable to the public. Board of Directors Among the governor’s recom- mendations: Carolina Journal is a monthly journal • Ban all gifts from lobbyists to of news, analysis, and commentary on state legislators, legislative employees, and and local government and public policy issues executive branch officers in North Carolina. • Extend the jurisdiction of the ©2005 by The John Locke Foundation N.C. Board of Ethics to include not Inc. All opinions expressed in bylined articles only the executive branch but also the are those of the authors and do not necessarily legislative branch and judiciary branch Judge Robert Farmer speaks to reporters at a May 17, 2006, press conference regarding reflect the views of the editors of CJ or the employees, excluding judges, who are the ethics proposals of Gov. Mike Easley. Farmer is flanked by Sen. Tony Rand, left, and staff and board of the John Locke Foundation. covered by the Judicial Standards Com- Easley, right. (CJ Photo by Don Carrington) mission Material published herein may be reprinted as on recommendations from Judge Robert lature. long as appropriate credit is given. Submis- • Expand the size of the Ethics Farmer, whom Easley appointed chair- Farmer said the Ethics Board, if ad- sions and letters are welcome and should be Board staff from three to seven em- man of the Ethics Board in March. State dressing a problem with the legislative directed to the editor. ployees Sen. Tony Rand, a Fayetteville Demo- branch, would limit its actions to making • Streamline the Statements of crat, said the new standards would be recommendations to ethics committees CJ readers wanting more information Economic Interest forms so that outside contained in legislation he intended to in the House or Senate, which in turn between monthly issues can call 919-828-3876 financial investments and incomes of introduce in the General Assembly. would exercise discipline if necessary. and ask for Carolina Journal Weekly Re- officials are disclosed annually Farmer said at a press conference “I don’t think they should have port, delivered each weekend by e-mail, or visit • Make lying on the Statements CarolinaJournal.com for news, links, and ex- that members of all branches of govern- a concern in the legislature,” Farmer of Economic Interest forms a crime of clusive content updated each weekday. Those ment should welcome being under the said. perjury, punishable as a felony interested in education, higher education, or same ethical standards. Some members Easley said the bill would include “These measures, I think, will help local government should also ask to receive of the Assembly have expressed concern “meaningful penalties” for those who ensure the public trust,” Easley said. weekly e-letters covering these issues. about granting to another branch of The governor based his proposal government oversight over the legis- Please see “Easley Adds”, Page 3 CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL North Carolina Gov. Easley Got Pricey Lot at Bargain Price on Coast
Continued from Page 2 six times. In 2003 state officials turned down the renewal because there had Transportation. not been enough development at the Easley’s acquisition of the Can- site. Stroud made a successful appeal nonsgate lot took place at the same to the Coastal Resources Commission time he was orchestrating a new lease and a new permit was issued in 2003. for Wilmington real estate developer The permit was renewed in December Charles “Nick” Garrett and the other 2004. new owners of the Southport Marina, Huggett said Stroud persuaded Inc., the company that operates the state- the commission that he had made sig- owned marina in Southport. Garrett and nificant investments that would be lost Wilson share a Wilmington office and if the permit were turned down. After are business partners in the develop- receiving the new permit, Stroud sold ment of condominiums adjacent to the the property July 8, 2005 to R. A. North Southport Marina. Like Wilson, Garrett Development, Inc. The sales price indi- also is a major political donor to Easley cated on the deed was $19.4 million. A and other Democrats. major modification to the permit was Nick Garrett Development was issued Aug. 17, 2005 and the permit was the general contractor for a $150,000 transferred to Cannonsgate. Sandbags protect the entrance of the Cannonsgate marina and butt up against a hard renovation of Easley’s home on the Cape wall at the edge of a lot owned by Gov. Mike Easley (CJ Photo by Don Carrington) Fear River in Southport. The project was Wrong address started and completed in 2001 soon after market value. “While tax value is rarely “Imagine having the excitement of the Easley first took office as governor. equivalent to market value, it can be a Intracoastal Waterway at your doorstep. Easley’s deed, prepared by Beau- good starting point for analysis,” Cart- Roll up your jeans to dig for clams, drop fort lawyer Richard L. Stanley, stated How much was it worth? eret County Tax Administrator Carl anchor and fish for hours in the plentiful the address for “Grantee’s Michael F. Easley and wife, Mary P. Easley” as Advertised as “the Crystal Coast’s Tilghman said. “We compared these waters, or just relax and watch the world “1305 Camfort View Drive, Raleigh, NC most coveted address,” the master plan properties to similar properties in the float by while you enjoy that incompa- area and set the value.” rable waterfront lifestyle.” 27607.” The address does not appear to includes a 75-slip marina, tennis courts, Real estate “The home exist. An employee of the Wake County a pool, and a clubhouse. developer Stephen sites along the GIS mapping department said the ad- Initial lot sales were through pri- Stroud of Raleigh marina offer an dress does not exist. City of Raleigh Fire vate offerings or word of mouth, said “The homesites along owns the other exceptional social Department employees also said the three lot owners, who did not want to be marina entrance the marina offer an ex- lifestyle. Imagine address does not exist. identified. CJ was unable to determine corner lot across the buzz of activ- When asked about the incorrect ad- how Easley learned about the property from Easley’s, but ceptional social lifestyle.” ity as you peruse dress, Stanley said, “Probably a mistake. and who set the price for his lot. Allen, Stroud’s lot cannot Cannonsgate brochure the docks and get I don’t know.” After checking his files, who lives in Matthews, did not return be used as a com- ready for a day he said that the address was picked up a phone call seeking information about parable sale, since on the boat with from the Nov. 30 sales contract and that Easley’s purchase. Easley spokeswoman Stroud received that lot as part of the family and friends. Venture out for an the handwriting was not very clear, but Sherri Johnson, responding to an email deal when he sold the entire tract to R. evening stroll and wave ‘Hello!’ as you that real estate broker Mace Watts appar- request, wrote, “I have no information A. North Development. Stroud owns a put your feet up to read the latest best ently filled in the address. Watts had no regarding a personal business transac- total of six lots in Cannonsgate. seller, iced tea in hand. The marina explanation and no comment. tion of the Governor.” Easley’s purchase price was 3 per- group will be a community of friends Easley’s deed of trust shows he “At this point I don’t feel comfort- cent above the tax value. A CJ analysis of like no other.” secured a $494,000 loan from Branch able talking about the governor’s busi- 525 lots excluding Easley’s and Stroud’s Banking & Trust Company of White- ness. We try to keep people’s privacy,” lots shows that the average sale price was Environmental permit ville. That document lists his address Cannonsgate’s lead real estate broker 33 percent above the tax value. A much as 200 N Blount Street, the address for Mace Watts said. “We like to have people smaller lot adjoining Easley’s lot sold for The Cannonsgate marina required the Governor’s Mansion. like the governor because it says a lot $500,000, which was 37 percent above the a Coastal Area Management Act per- According to his Statement of for the community.” Watts appeared tax value. The other lot next to Easley’s mit from the N.C. Division of Coastal Economic Interest filed with the N.C. surprised when told CJ had obtained a is slightly larger but contains a signifi- Management. CAMA Major Permit Board of Ethics in February, in addition price list for Phase I of the project. He cant amount of low land unsuitable for Manager Doug Huggett said a permit for to Cannonsgate, Easley owns three other refused to say what the prices were for building. It sold for $699,880, which was constructing the marina was originally properties: a home on East Lake Drive lots in Phase II, where Easley’s lot was 20 percent above the tax value. issued in 1988 to Broad Reach Invest- in Raleigh, a home on the Cape Fear situated. Easley’s and Stroud’s lots are the ments, a group that included Raleigh River in Southport, and one–half interest CJ’s analysis of other Cannonsgate only two that adjoin the marina and the developer Stephen Stroud. Even though in a home at Bald Head Island. He has property sales indicates that Easley’s Intracoastal waterway. Cannonsgate there was little activity on the site for mortgage loans on all properties except purchase price was significantly below literature describes the lots as follows: several years, Stroud renewed the permit the Bald Head Island home. CJ Easley Adds His Own Ethics Proposals to Those Flying Around
Continued from Page 2 Easley also included two lobbying “I think it’s very important that we has been motivated by the scandals law changes: lifting an exemption for recognize we have to pass something plaguing his party to pursue ethics re- betray the public trust. In the past the lawyers who lobby the executive branch, that we can implement immediately,” form, measures for which Republican Ethics Board has had no effective means and eliminating all gifts to public officials he said. legislators have been calling for some to enforce compliance with requirements from lobbyists. A leader of the state Republican time,” said N.C. GOP Chief of Staff Bill to file truthful economic interest state- “I just want to do it cold turkey,” Party approved of the measures, while Peaslee. “But additional laws alone will ments. Last year Kevin Geddings, an Easley said. “Let’s stop taking gifts from at the same time taking a swipe at Demo- not end corruption. appointee of House Speaker Jim Black to lobbyists.” The governor called Rand’s crats over the problems afflicting them, “Until the Democrat Party cleans the N.C. Lottery Commission, failed to bill “simple and direct,” and said it which have inspired the current wave its own house of corrupt individuals disclose prior work he had done to pro- would not likely be susceptible to court of ethics proposals. they will not be able to gird themselves mote the passage of the state lottery. challenges. “We are pleased that the governor in a cloak of ethics.” CJ June 2006 CAROLINA North Carolina JOURNAL Progressive Resources Continued Northeast Partnership Conflicts Concern State Auditors
By PAUL CHESSER Moonlight Bandit the contract. He a private, nonprofit organization not Associate Editor Productions, and said renegotiation subject to the state’s Public Records Act. RALEIGH the message re- Northeast Partnership with them after that Government funding accounted for 95 ongtime consultants for the ferred callers to its officials refuse to provide period is possible. percent of the Partnership’s revenue state-funded Northeastern N.C. Internet Web site. “The terms in during the last three years. Regional Economic Development The Scotts, documents to Carolina that contract are not The Scotts also appear to have LCommission, and the associated agency whose relation- so good,” Schrote run afoul of the state Department of North Carolina’s Northeast Partnership, ship with Watson Journal because they said. Revenue. According to the Secretary of continue to work for both entities despite and the Northeast The contract State’s Web site and officials with the an apparent conflict of interest similar Partnership-Com- claim they are a private, also included an department, Progressive Resources’ to one that helped cost former President mission dates to nonprofit organization automatic one-year legal charter has been suspended. A and CEO Rick Watson his job. 1996, did not re- notice of termina- department clerk would not disclose In addition, J. Michael Scott and turn telephone not subject to the state’s tion in the case of the reason for the suspension. Based on Cathy Scott of Roanoke Rapids, and messages left at the Commission state law, the department can implement their company Progressive Resources & the Partnership of- Public Records Act. losing 50 percent a suspension based on a failure to file a Opportunities, have had their business fice, their business, or more of its state simple report, or for not paying taxes charter suspended by the state Depart- their residence, or funding. The Scotts 90 days after they are due. ment of Revenue. at the Moonlight Bandit number. Vann were also permitted to own, invest in, It is unclear when Progressive The Scotts still work under contract Rogerson, interim president and CEO and manage businesses in northeastern Resources began its affiliation with with the Commission-Partnership while for the Commission-Partnership, also North Carolina as long as they don’t Moonlight Bandit. Both Scotts were at also representing Moonlight Bandit could not be reached. seek financing or assistance from the the forefront during a media announce- Productions, a recently formed company Progressive Resources has a con- Commission. No mention is made of the ment of the project last July. Cathy Scott, that plans to operate the Randy Parton sulting agreement with the Commission Partnership, and it is not clear whether representing the Northeast Partnership, Theater and Carolina Crossroads Enter- that pays $70 per hour and has generous Progressive Resources has a separate was also listed as the media contact for tainment District. severance terms. The contract, effec- contract with the Partnership as well, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Watson, until recently the presi- tive July 1, 2003, calls for a “minimum as did Watson and Rogerson. Randy Parton Theater in November. dent and CEO for the Commission-Part- retainer” amount of $120,000 per year, The Scotts reported directly to Wat- The Scotts in the past have pur- nership, was terminated by the agencies’ to be paid quarterly. Termination of the son, and under their contract were also sued other outside business activities directors in part because of his own plans agreement by the Commission requires eligible for “additional compensation in conjunction with Watson. Accord- to work for Moonlight Bandit. As head a one-year written notice to Progressive, and/or performance bonuses,” awarded ing to reports in The Daily Advance of of the Commission-Partnership, Watson with a full payout of its annual retainer. at the discretion of a three-member ex- Elizabeth City in 2003, they briefly tried to gain public financing for the The contract required the Commission ecutive committee of the Partnership’s formed an outside company together Parton project while planning his own to “maintain in readily available cash an board, which included Watson. Accord- that was to provide economic devel- employment with Moonlight Bandit, amount equal to [Progressive Resourc- ing to a report from the state auditor opment services — for compensation which State Auditor Les Merritt and es’] anticipated compensation to ensure released in March, the Scotts were paid — that were already provided by the directors of the commission determined satisfaction of [the] Commission’s obli- an additional $87,450 in bonus money Partnership-Commission for free. was a conflict of interest. gations hereunder.” during the last three years. Also, Watson told the newspaper at A call made last week to a phone According to Commission board Northeast Partnership officials the time that he sometimes steered number listed for Progressive Resources member John Schrote, the Scotts have refuse to provide documents to Caro- some small companies to the Scotts’ reached a voice message machine for been given their one-year’s notice to end lina Journal because they claim they are outside services as well. CJ Christian Rights Organization Warns DPI About Non-Public Claims
By PAUL CHESSER stipulate that the State Board of Educa- from the State Board — explaining the erly Burrows, whose son attended Associate Editor tion “has the sole authority to develop actions and content of a program insti- Governor’s School last year and said RALEIGH and approve courses and programs that tuted and led by employees of [DPI] and he returned home from the school “con- Christian legal organization has concern human sexuality education.” funded by the General Assembly with fused” about homosexuality because rebutted a claim by State Super- Another state law requires an “emphasis taxpayer dollars — actually attempts to of the seminar. The Burrowses said intendent of Public Instruction on the importance of parental involve- argue that the program is not a ‘public they were not warned about the “Gay AJune Atkinson that the Governor’s ment” and “abstinence from sex until school,’” Johnson wrote. Teenager” seminar and contacted ADF, School of North Carolina is not a public marriage” in any such curriculum. In his original complaint to DPI and questioning its legality. school required to adhere to the state’s Johnson’s letter on May 2 respond- the State Board of Education, Johnson Johnson originally warned DPI abstinence-only sexual education pro- ed to a letter from Atkinson on March said state law requires “that parents to prohibit “any similar seminars or gram. 16, in which she defended the “Gay be given the opportunity to review unapproved sexuality education cur- In addition, Michael Johnson, a Teenager” seminar by emphasizing that sex education programs, materials and ricula…in the future,” and requested lawyer for the Alliance Defense Fund, it was optional for students, and by stat- objectives before any student may par- “written assurance that religious view- has reiterated a demand for the Gover- ing that the Governor’s School “is not a ticipate….” He also said the law requires points will no longer be maligned…at nor’s School to discontinue educational ‘public school’ as that term is used in [the public hearings before sex education all future Governor’s programs.” programs that discuss “illicit human statute] and is not required to adhere to programs are adopted. The six-week Atkinson’s response provided no sexuality.” Johnson and ADF had initi- the Basic Education Program….” Governor’s School is conducted every promises, other than “to examine course ated a complaint to the Department of Johnson insisted that the Gover- summer, with 400 students each at two offerings and instructional practices Public Instruction and the State Board nor’s School is a public school, citing locations: Salem College in Winston- at the [Governor’s School West] to be of Education in February, because the another statute that defines a public Salem (West) and Meredith College in sure that they are consistent with the Governor’s School conducted a seminar school as “any day school conducted Raleigh (East). The residential program [school’s] mission to enrich the lives of called “The New Gay Teenager” without within the State under the authority draws public high school students who its students.” parental consent in Winston-Salem last and supervision of a duly elected or ap- are approaching their senior years, and “Based upon our review of the summer. pointed city or county school board, and who are nominated by their high schools’ events,” Atkinson wrote, “we are sat- In his letter to DPI and to the State any educational institution supported by teachers and administrators. isfied that ‘The New Gay Teenager’ Board of Education in February, Johnson and under the control of the State.” “The New Gay Teenager” was optional seminar did not violate any- had cited North Carolina statutes that “We find it ironic that a letter sent heavily criticized by James and Bev- one’s legal rights.” CJ CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL North Carolina Jurors Selected in Trial of Former Ferry Director Jerry Gaskill
By DON CARRINGTON across the shallow Currituck Sound from Executive Editor the Currituck community to the Corolla RALEIGH Former Ferry community. welve jurors and two alternates Division Direc- “The proposed ferry service is fea- were selected May 1 for the trial tor Jerry Gaskill sible, assuming the appropriate permits of former N.C. Department of (center) leaves can be obtained,” Gaskill concluded TTransportation Ferry Division Direc- in the study. But he failed to address the federal court- tor Jerry Gaskill. A federal grand jury house in Raleigh two previous unsuccessful attempts by indicted Gaskill, 63, of Cedar Island on Currituck County to obtain a dredging Jan. 18 on charges associated with the after jury selec- permit for the shallow Corolla loca- state’s illegal activities in establishing a tion on May 1 tion. State and federal environmental passenger ferry service across the Cur- with his attorney agencies had ruled that the area was a rituck Sound. Thomas Manning sensitive marine habitat that needed to U.S. District Judge Terrence Boyle and wife Charran be protected. At the time of the illegal presided over the selection process after Gaskill. dredging, neither DOT nor Currituck Gaskill pleaded not guilty to all charges County had applied for a permit. against him. The trial was to start in May (CJ Photo by After the illegal dredging became but was rescheduled to begin June 12. Don Carrington) public the project stalled. In May 2005, Gaskill is charged with conspiracy frustrated with the lack of progress, to violate the Clean Water Act and the Basnight called a meeting of all the Rivers and Harbor Act, actual violations state agencies involved in the project. of both acts, and with making material The group arrived at a plan to build an false statements about those activities. So that potential jurors could de- • Ralph Thomas (same name as 1,800-foot pier that would reach into The indictment alleges that Gaskill clare any potential conflicts, Boyle read Carteret County Sheriff) and an unidentified person agreed in deeper water. That plan was scrapped them a list of about 25 other witnesses • Environmental consultant after news organizations raised concerns January 2004 to force Ferry Division that are expected to be called. George Wood workboats into the Corolla basin in order about the safety of the schoolchildren. The list included: Previous stories by Carolina Journal The latest plan to build a 500-foot pier to create a deeper channel, knowing that • N. C. DOT Board member Lanny reported that the new ferry service faced no permits had been obtained for the in a different location is on hold. Wilson of Wilmington several obstacles. Plans for the project The student situation has also work. The indictment also alleges that • N. C. DOT Board member Stan were initiated soon after the Currituck changed dramatically. After the students on May 6-7, 2004, Gaskill and other Ferry White of Nags Head County Board of Commissioners asked were barred from Dare schools and Division workers proceeded to “prop • DOT Deputy Secretary David state Sen. Marc Basnight in July 2002 to forced to take a long bus ride to reach wash” the channel. The indictment King, who oversees the Ferry Division help establish a ferry service to transport the Currituck mainland, parents made further alleges that on June 25, 2004, • Ferry Division interim Director about 40 schoolchildren from the Outer other schooling arrangements. At times Gaskill signed a written false statement Jack Cahoon Banks to the mainland. Although propo- claiming the creation of the channel • Ferry Division employee Don nents of the ferry said it was needed for only one child was making the bus trip was unintentional and submitted the Chapman schoolchildren, documents suggest that this year. School officials said they will statement to the U.S. Army Corps of • Former Ferry Division employee the service was intended to transport return to the previous arrangement. Engineers. Charles Utz resort workers and tourists. Students The 49-person, 50-foot pontoon Four other Ferry Division employ- • Former Ferry Division employee had been attending Dare County schools boat ordered for service was delivered ees—Billy R. Moore, Herbert F. O’Neal, Connie Noe on the Outer Banks. in August 2004 to the State Shipyard Douglas A. Bateman, and Stephen G. • N.C. Wildlife Resources Com- The 2002 budget bill ordered in Manns Harbor. The Virginian-Pilot of Smith—pleaded guilty last year to mission Engineering Services Chief DOT to do a feasibility study. Gaskill Norfolk reported that DOT officials are charges in connection with the dredging. Gordon Meyers conducted a study and submitted it to considering selling the boat because All four are expected to testify against • Currituck County Manager Dan the General Assembly in May 2003. The the Coast Guard ruled the boat is un- Gaskill. Scanlon proposed route would be about 12 miles safe to run across the sound. CJ
7/Ê7 Ê 6 4HE *OHN ,OCKE &OUNDATION BELIEVES THAT OUR SOCIETY MUST RETURN TO OUR vÕ`}Ê«ÀV«ià 7E ARE A >`ÊvÊLiÀÌÞ WHERE NATURAL RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS PRECEDE AND SUPERSEDE THE POWER OF THE STATE 7E ARE A VÃÌÌÕÌ>ÊÀi«ÕLV IN WHICH GOVERNMENT POWER IS LIMITED AND EMPLOYED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGITIMATE PUBLIC GOODS RATHER THAN FOR THE BENElT OF INSIDERS AND NARROW INTEREST GROUPS 7E ARE A vÀiiÊ>ÀiÌ IN WHICH PERSONS INDIVIDUALLY OR COLLECTIVELY HAVE THE NATURAL RIGHT TO SELL GOODS AND SERVICES TO WILLING BUYERS AND IN WHICH THE INDIVIDUAL PURSUIT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY BENElTS ALL !ND WE ARE A vÀiiÊÃViÌÞ WHERE CITIZENS SOLVE SOCIAL PROBLEMS NOT ONLY THROUGH GOVERNMENT BUT ALSO BY WORKING TOGETHER IN FAMILIES NEIGHBORHOODS CHURCHES CHARITIES AND OTHER PRIVATE VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS &OR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT / iÊ Ê ViÊÕ`>Ì 7EST -ORGAN 3T 2ALEIGH .# \ehj^[jhkj^CALL US AT OR VISIT US AT WWW*OHN,OCKEORG June 2006 CAROLINA Washington JOURNAL
NC Delegation Watch Seeks immediate eviction
Taylor explains memorial Myrick Says Illegals Must Leave — Now Sharp criticism rained upon U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor, R-11th, in By KAREN WELSH April because in his role as House Contributing Editor interior appropriations subcommit- RALEIGH tee chairman he stood in the way here are those who are citizens of federal funding of a memorial in of the United States, and those Shanksville, Pa., to the passengers who are not, and everyone in on United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001. Tthis country illegally must leave. Im- Taylor, however, said he was trying mediately. to prevent the government from That’s the word from U.S. Rep. Sue making a commitment it wouldn’t Myrick, R-N.C., who continues to fight be able to keep. for the eviction of illegal immigrants “The patriots aboard Flight 93 from North Carolina and the rest of the were among the first Americans to country. die fighting the war on terror and Myrick has fought to bring the il- their efforts are truly deserving of a legal-immigration issue to light for the memorial,” Taylor said. past couple of years, but recently stepped “Three years ago a proposal, up her efforts to secure America’s bor- with no cost estimate, was submit- ders by drafting four bills designed to ted to the interior appropriations close critical areas of omission created subcommittee asking for federal by government agencies. She plans to dollars to build a memorial to com- bring them before the next congressional memorate the tragedy of Flight session. 93. I agreed to work with a 50/50 “It’s just crazy,” she said. “No- cost-share proposal with the state body’s been forcing the issue, but we’re of Pennsylvania for a total of ap- forcing the issues. We’re not going to proximately $25 million…. give in, I’ll tell you that. We’ll just keep Hispanic immigrants gather at the Mexican consulate on Six Forks Road in Raleigh to obtain services from the Mexican government (CJ file photo) “The memorial committee has on pushing it. We won’t give up.” now submitted a plan calling for The first bill addresses illegal aliens to work on any federal, state, or forts, no new legislation is needed to take the purchase of 2,000 acres, an area immigrants who use false Social Secu- local projects will have the contracts can- care of the illegal-alien problem. He said three times larger than Arlington rity numbers to gain employment. The celed and make the employer ineligible 72 percent of residents in North Carolina National Cemetery, and a variety numbers often belong to hard-working, for federal contracts for two years. and 80 percent of Americans nationwide of structures which they say could honest Americans, she said. “I hope this is going to really en- support deportment and if officials in cost some $60 million. Realistically, “It’s a huge problem, and a form courage North Carolina to stop sending Washington D.C. would follow existing it could cost between $75 million of identity theft,” Myrick said. “Four to tax dollars into the pockets of illegal laws, then those people that don’t belong and $100 million. seven million Social Security cards are aliens, or, the state will lose all federal here would be forced out. “What we do not want to do is being used by illegal aliens. Instead of funding for that particular project,” the “No more playing games,” he said. embarrass the country or the families stopping it, the Social Security Admin- congresswoman said. “This is a misuse “No more trickery. Put down the pen and of those aboard Flight 93 with a me- istration sets up two accounts — one of tax dollars. North Carolina hires con- step away slowly. There’s no need for morial that is only partially funded, for the person that owns the card, and tractors that hire illegal immigrants to new legislation. Let’s stop pretending. in either construction or long-term one for the illegal alien. That way, Social work on their projects. We need to put The problem runs deeper than illegal maintenance costs.” Security gets to keep the money and they pressure on North Carolina. No one’s immigration. This is a constitutional never have to pay it out.” put pressure on them. We’ve got to get crisis. The process itself is in jeopardy. If passed by Congress, Myrick said, Dole seeks Reid apology all the states to realize that they need It’s flat out the national principal of the the bill will require the Social Security better control over their contractors and thing.” Sen. Elizabeth Dole on May Administration to report duplicate So- know what they are doing.” Recent protests by illegal im- 19 called on Minority Leader Harry cial Security numbers to the Homeland Another bill would outlaw the use migrants woke up the conscientious- Reid to apologize for charging that a Security Administration. of a taxpayer number to be used as a ness of Americans and the majority of proposal to make English the official The second bill would also require valid form of identification to obtain a citizens are “mad as hell,” Gheen said. language was racist, The Washington the SSA to notify American citizens driver’s license, a practice that is allowed It’s become a true populous movement Times reported. when their numbers are being used by in North Carolina. “I believe an apology to those someone else. “I hope this lights a fire under the crossing over all party lines and even senators who supported this impor- “Illegal aliens are using the Social leadership in North Carolina,” Myrick includes a vast number of legal immi- tant measure is in order,” Dole wrote Security numbers of Americans and they said. “They need to address the problem grants, he said. in a letter to Reid. “I hope that you are doing it without the knowledge of when they come back into session.” Gheen urges members of Congress don’t truly believe that two-thirds those Americans,” she said. “Once the Katie Norman, spokeswoman for to start listening to their constituents. of the Senate would support a racist number is given, it’s a person’s private U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Caro- He said they should start their morning measure, or that their support for property and nobody has the right to lina, said Dole is not familiar with the every day demanding that President English as our national language is it. It’s happening all over the country details of Myrick’s legislation. However, Bush follow the laws, to enforce existing an act of racism.” and it’s absurd. Illegal aliens who use a Norman said Dole agrees the Senate’s legislation. The Times reported that Re- Social Security number to get a job are top priority must be passing legislation “They should tell Bush he is vio- becca Kirszner, spokeswoman for committing a felony, and this felony is to secure U.S. borders. lating his oath of office,” he said. “But, Reid, dismissed the letter. “It’s not a victimless crime. It affects citizens “Such legislation should include they’re scared. They’re not listening.” clear Karl Rove called Liddy Dole and their livelihood. It’s wrong and I’m provisions to increase the number of Because the laws aren’t enforced, Gheen this morning, because her letter is going to do everything I can to fight to border agents, make better use of tech- said, illegal immigrants are systemati- straight from his playbook,” she said. stop it.” nology to monitor the border,” Norman cally building a new nation. “Republicans are trying to distract Two other bills Myrick will submit said, “And, have sufficient facilities to “The illegal immigrants have a Americans from the fact that they’ve are aimed directly at North Carolina and detain all those who are caught illegally new country in mind,” he said. “They had five years to secure our borders a few other states making it easy for il- entering our country. don’t respect our laws and culture. If and fix our immigration system legal immigrants to earn a living. William Gheen, president of Amer- they are in control we can only imagine and haven’t done it.” CJ The first stipulates that any con- ican’s for Legal Immigration in Raleigh, what the new state of North America tractor who knowingly employs illegal said although he supports Myrick’s ef- will be.” CJ CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL CJ Interview Feulner Has Six Questions for Elected Representatives By CAROLINA JOURNAL STAFF Mississippi, that’s not really the They’re good Republicans RALEIGH government’s business. Gov- most of the time, except eritage Foundation President ernment shouldn’t be doing when it comes to some of Edwin Feulner recently co-au- that. We ask again whether it these things back home. thored a new book that sets a promotes self-reliance. There Hblueprint for conservative government we have our annual Index of Kokai: In the grand leadership. It’s called Getting America Dependency that we produce scheme of things, should Right: The True Conservative Values Our every summer. Unfortunately, conservatives be disillu- Nation Needs Today. Feulner recently just since Ronald Reagan was sioned? discussed the book with Carolina Journal first elected 25 years ago, we’ve associate editor Mitch Kokai. seen the dependency of the Feulner: I think we American people for the four should be disillusioned Kokai: Why did you write this basics – health care, housing, with some of the day-to- book now? education, and welfare – go up day votes and some of like 112 percent. I mean we’re the day-to-day leadership Feulner: At this stage of the game, moving in the wrong direction. – frankly – that we’re get- we are really convinced that most con- The Americans are a self-reli- ting out of Washington. As servatives are really rather disillusioned. ant people, and we’ve got to I travel around the country, After all, we’ve been in charge of the re-encourage that. We’ve got I hear people say, “Well, if White House for 18 of the last 25 years, to get people off of the idea they’re going to filibuster, we’ve been in charge of Congress for that government owes them why isn’t a filibuster like the last 12, and both of those for the so much. the good old filibusters last five. So this should be the best of we remember when Jesse times. And yet we’ve got real problems Kokai: What do you Helms was in the Senate in Washington. So how do we get it think about the elected leaders or Sam Ervin was in the right? And that’s when we came upon who’ve been dubbed “big gov- Senate?” One was a Repub- our format of having six basic questions ernment conservatives”? lican. One was a Democrat. that we want people to be able to put to But back then, if there were their elected representatives. Feulner: One of my col- filibusters, then by gosh, leagues has started handing out the Senators stayed up for Kokai: What are the six ques- bottled water to every congress- 24 hours in a row, and they tions? man he meets, on the theory had quorum calls. that otherwise they’ll drink too Heritage Foundation President Edwin Feulner speaks at Quail And they made it Feulner: First, is it the govern- much of the Potomac River, and Ridge Books on May 17 (CJ Photo by Don Carrington) inconvenient for their col- ment’s business? That’s pretty basic, but that somehow corrupts them. I leagues and really pressed non-profit and non-partisan organiza- something we don’t ask often enough. don’t think it’s that simple. I think what home an issue. Now they’ve got this tion. We are unashamedly, unabashedly Second, does it promote the self-reliance it is is that they come to Washington, they two-track thing where you immediately conservative. Now that doesn’t mean we of the American people? Third, is it see the old kind of way of thinking about file cloture. And it’s all gobbledygook are necessarily Republican. The fact is responsible – this program particularly things – the way liberals always have – in and nobody really knows what’s going that most conservatives are Republicans, or that one? Is it responsible for the terms of carving out the pork barrel, and on the floor. And it’s not very effective but if you really look at the Congress government to be doing it? And then making sure we get our share, and so and you add up individuals who would leadership. And on the other side of the the three issue-related kind of questions: they kind of fall in the trap of believing describe themselves as liberals in both Capitol, you’ve got a House leadership first, does it make us more prosperous? that somehow big government is good the Republican Party and then the that seems to be unable to count to 218 Second, does it make us safer? And third government if it’s our government. Well, overwhelming majority of them in the to get their majority together. And so – one that’s very much in the news these conservatives shouldn’t believe that. Democratic Party, it’s still very much they’re kind of cutting and running on days – does it unify us? Does it bring us We should all believe as Mr. Jefferson an uphill battle. Conservatives are still some things. together as a nation? Those six questions from my home state of Virginia said 200 – frankly – pretty much outnumbered. Now they have done some things – we think – form kind of a basic rubric and some years ago, “Any government One of my colleagues who watches the we wish the Senate would take up – like of conservative perspectives on whether big enough to give you everything you U.S. Senate very closely says that really repeal of the death tax and things like the government should in fact be doing want is big enough to take everything – when you get down to it – you’ve got that. We hope they’ll be coming up fairly something or not. you have.” And that’s what concerns kind of a rock-solid base of about 38 soon, but the leadership is kind of want- me is that conservatives have just lost Republican conservatives in the United ing. And now it’s coming from the back- Kokai: I’m guessing that you this sense of principle and this sense States Senate. Of course, you need 60 to benchers. There are people who’ve had would say many government programs of doing the right thing once they’re break a filibuster, and you need 51 to some real courage in the past, in terms don’t really pass the test. up there. That’s of course what we’ve pass every measure you’ve got. of speaking out – whether it’s your own involved in at The Heritage Founda- So they end up compromising on Sen. Elizabeth Dole, talking about the Feulner: We are not kind of hard- tion, day in and day out, too. It’s what so many things. And then, some of the real challenges we face on entitlements core libertarians who believe that – or we call policy politics. How do you get guys we would consider rock-solid con- and Social Security and how we’ve got anarchists actually – who believe that the men and women who were sent to servatives – like my good friends Trent to come up with a new and better system there shouldn’t be any government. Washington to do the right thing once Lott and Thad Cochran from Mississippi that involves private accounts, and get- We cite in our book some very good they’re there instead of taking the easy – want to put in a $700 million so-called ting the government out of the business government programs of the past, way out and just voting for the pork and railroad to nowhere, just to move this of providing the only source of income whether it’s the G.I. Bill post World War assuming that will get them re-elected railroad down in the coast in Missis- for so many seniors. II that was basically a voucher plan that back home? sippi a couple hundred yards inland, Then what happens? The presi- enabled our returning veterans to get so that the gambling casinos have got dent tries to push it and gets shot higher education. And we talk about Kokai: Based on that sort of con- a free access directly to the river banks. down on pure partisan bases, and now other programs over the years that cern, some think it’s time for the Re- Well, that’s fine if they want to do that we’re hearing that Social Security’s have been well designed and targeted publicans who’ve controlled the White down there. But don’t saddle the federal eventual bankruptcy is going to be to their specific needs. But I’ve got to House and Congress in recent years to taxpayers with doing that. CSX Railroad three years closer than it was just a tell you that when we’ve got the federal now suffer an election setback in 2006. just spent $200 million fixing that same year-and-a-half ago. The Congress has government funding things like a rain What do you think about that notion? stretch of railroad, just after Katrina. And got to come to grips with some of these forest in Iowa, or that famous bridge to why the taxpayers should now have to things, and that means the American nowhere in Alaska, or now they’re talk- Feulner: No, I don’t agree with pay another three-quarters of a billion people have got to demand more of ing about a railroad to nowhere down in that. Of course, at Heritage we’re a dollars to move it again, I don’t know. their elected representatives. CJ June 2006 CAROLINA Education JOURNAL
State School Briefs “The Color Purple”
Wake voters skeptical Board Squirms When Required Book Read Aloud With a $1 billion school bond awaiting taxpayer approval and a Editor’s Note: Carolina Journal Called2Action, thinks schools should mountain of opposition, the Wake agreed to protect the identity of “Susan be required to post on the Internet the County School Board has a big job Jones,” the parent profiled in this story be- reading assignments for every class, ahead before November. How will cause she fears a backlash against her child, giving parents the opportunity to review the board get the support it needs who attends a Wake County high school. selections before their children crack a to pass the bond? book. That’s not in Policy 5410, Parker Board members say it’s now By DONNA MARTINEZ said, but staff will review the possibility about focusing on the main is- Associate Editor of requiring that parents be notified at sues: Too many kids, not enough RALEIGH the beginning of each semester. space and more kids coming into hen she walked to the mi- Book challenges are not new, nor the county every year. They say crophone, Susan Jones was are fears that parents such as Jones and when people realize the need is anxious about the passage she Noble are advocating censorship and real they’ll support it. However, Wwas about to read to those on hand for refusing to accept today’s cultural reali- it will be a tough sell, WRAL-TV the Wake County Board of Education ties. A representative of the American in Raleigh reports. meeting April 18. She was so nervous Library Association expressed dismay Wake County resident Sean about the language that she implored to The News and Observer of Raleigh over Fitts does not support the new anyone under 18 years old to leave the book objections. “I’d think you would school bond package. “I think room. prefer they find out about society and people are tired of writing blank Then Jones began reading a pro- all the dangers they face in a controlled checks,” Fitts said. “They’re tired fanity-filled, disturbing description of environment rather than them going of saying, ‘Oh, you need more rape. But the words weren’t lyrics from out in the streets and finding out for money. Take it.’ They want to see a rock band or a posting from an adult themselves,” said the ALA’s Judith Krug results.” Web site. They were from a book Jones’ in a story April 19. A recent poll shows Fitts is 16-year-old had received as a summer “What we can fix is put- Three days after the N&O story, among a majority of people who reading assignment from a Wake County ting more emphasis and a letter to the editor from a Southeast would vote down the proposed Advanced Placement English teacher Raleigh Magnet High School English bond issue in November. — an assignment Jones thinks was clarification on this local teacher accused Noble’s group of inappropriate. “trying to manipulate and control our Steve Noble, who was in the audi- school-level control.” educational system.” Teacher Ninon ence representing a like-minded citizens Hentz Cheek did not respond to CJ’s Specialized teacher pay group, Called2Action, recalled that Carol Parker interview request. school board members and Wake County Vice Chairwoman Noble thinks there’s another seri- Educators have flirted for Superintendent Bill McNeal were notice- Wake Board of Education ous issue to be confronted. He said use years with the idea of paying more ably uncomfortable as Jones continued of The Color Purple, or other books with to attract teachers to struggling reading word after word, sentence after adult language and themes, is in con- schools and hard-to-staff subjects sentence of what he considers vulgar, flict with Wake County’s official code such as math and science. couldn’t get The Color Purple off her mind, violent material. of student conduct. He points to Policy Now they want to put real she said, or the other parents who might Noble’s eyes didn’t deceive him 6410, which details rules covering inap- money on the table in several North not be aware of its contents. She con- about board members’ reactions, said propriate language and literature. Carolina school districts, The News tacted her school principal, and then the Wake board Vice Chairwoman Carol “The possession of literature or & Observer of Raleigh reports. school board. At a meeting with Parker Parker. “It was tense and I kept thinking, illustrations which significantly disrupt The Guilford County super- and several other board members, Jones this is being televised and I don’t know the educational process or which are ob- intendent has pushed through a learned about Wake’s Policy 5410, which if we gave enough notice. It was not a scene is prohibited,” section 6410.3 says. plan to pay teachers differently, dictates the use of a media advisory normal situation.” “Cursing or use of vulgar, profane, or depending on what and where committee in reviewing and selecting But it was normal for AP English. obscene language is prohibited,” reads they teach. Some algebra teachers library books and reading assignments. That’s why, Jones said, she thought that section 6410.8. Parker, however, says in Guilford County could earn The committee is supposed to consist reading the book aloud was critical in there’s a difference between classroom as much as $14,000 extra if their of the principal, teachers, parents, and making the point that the book in ques- assignments and the student code, and students show solid progress on a student representative. tion —The Color Purple by Alice Walker that parents and teachers must help state exams, and teachers of other Jones’ experience led Parker and — is inappropriate classroom material children understand the difference. “I subjects in hard-to-staff schools board Chairman Patti Head to ask the for her child, despite the book’s win- could make up to $6,500 more school district for a review of Policy don’t think we can scrub everything ning a 1983 Pulitzer Prize. “I felt it was per year. 5410 and an assurance that schools out of books.” necessary for them to actually hear the A separate trial effort pro- understand its mandate and adhere to Wake County isn’t the only North content, because I think just saying it posed by the University of North it. Parker anticipates a report on Policy Carolina school system to be confronted contains graphic material is much differ- Carolina system, starting in 2007, 5410 compliance in June and said par- by parents about book choices. Last ent than actually hearing the material,” would give first-time math teach- ents are rightfully concerned. “What we April, Kathy and Peter Braun concluded Jones said. ers in several of the state’s poorest can fix,” Parker said, “is putting more a months-long fight with Charlotte- At least Wake County officials had districts about $41,000, rivaling emphasis and clarification on this local Mecklenburg Schools over Maniac entry-level pay in other math-re- a warning about what they would be school-level control.” Magee by Jerry Spinelli, a 1991 winner lated careers. exposed to. Parents such as Jones had Jones and Noble said board of the Newberry Medal from the ALA. Schools with large numbers little notice last August. That’s when members also committed to gathering It contains racially tinged language. The of poor students must often rely on she learned of her child’s assignment, all reading lists used in Wake County. Brauns challenged use of the book by underqualified teachers, and new read the book herself, and determined Noble is eagerly awaiting that informa- third-graders. They won a partial victory recruits are scarce for subjects such she didn’t want her teen-ager exposed tion. His group plans to compare the when the board ruled the book inap- as math and science. to the language and themes. When she county’s book lists to watch lists from propriate for K-3 students. However, In some Guilford high expressed concern to the school, the parent groups around the country, “not the board also ruled that fourth- and schools, overall passing rates on teacher offered, and Jones accepted, an to ban them,” Noble said, “but to flag fifth-grade teachers may assignManiac state tests last year were less than alternative book — Cold Mountain by them so if a teacher wants to pull off this Magee as long as they send letters to 50 percent. CJ Charles Frazier. list…then they can’t use it unless all the parents beforehand. The parents can opt That would have been the end of parents in the class consent to it.” out. CMS interprets a lack of response it for many parents. Not for Jones. She Jones, who is not a member of as permission to read the book. CJ CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL Education Easley Proposes Education Fund Commentary To Assist Low-Wealth Counties ‘Supersizing’ Is Kryptonite organ Spurlock’s 2004 2006 gubernatorial race, downsiz- By JIM STEGALL tighter a few years ago. documentary film “Super ing school districts has now become Contributing Editor These are funds local education Size Me,” with its shock- politically palatable. Candidate and RALEIGH authorities can use in a variety of ways, Ming depiction of dietary excess in the U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons is calling for ov. Mike Easley wants the and are divided among all authorities American fast-food industry, forever deconsolidation, saying smaller General Assembly to spend according to how many students attend put the lie to the notion that bigger districts will foster greater account- more than $7.9 billion on public their schools. is better. While supersizing has since ability and school improvement. Geducation in fiscal 2007, an increase of 4.9 Local school boards and superin- fallen out of favor at Mc- Lawmakers in percent from current levels. While most tendents have chafed under the loss of Donald’s, it is still front and North Carolina are not of the money would be tied up in raises these funds and have made their recov- center in the lexicon of public yet on the deconsolida- for teachers and administrators, there are ery a top priority for this session. education bureaucrats. Over tion bandwagon, but a number of other costly items in his list Another item that didn’t make the the past 60 years, admin- that could change if of recommended expenditures. initial cut with Senate budget writers istrators have increasingly parents in the state’s The governor is keen to fully fund was the governor’s request for nearly $5 moved to supersize many two largest districts a program that helps poor counties pay million to pay for 100 literacy coaches school districts, creating a (Wake and Mecklen- for the kind of extras that more prosper- in schools with an eighth grade. The new generation of mega burg) have their way. ous counties can afford. The program, coaches would work with teachers al- systems, which serve more In 2005, students, known as Low Wealth ready at the schools to than 100,000 students. The parents and commu- Supplemental Fund- improve the reading move to consolidate has led nity leaders met across ing, provides extra curricula and provide to district mergers every- Mecklenburg County cash to local education professional devel- Lindalyn where, whittling the total to discuss splitting authorities in areas opment in reading Kakadelis of school districts nationally up North Carolina’s with below-average instruction to other from 117,108 in 1940 to just largest school system ability to raise local teachers. The goal 14,465 in 2003. of 126,903 students. revenues for schools. would be to improve Fortunately, a movement to The resulting deconsolidation bill Some of the factors the quality of reading buck this trend and break up over- met with a quick defeat in Raleigh. used to determine instruction in middle sized school districts is picking up But expect a resurgence of interest a county’s ability to schools. steam around the country. In April, as crowding and discipline prob- raise revenue are the In most other Nebraska’s legislature passed a lems mount and student perfor- county’s property tax respects the Senate bill and quickly signed into law by mance remains stagnant. Unabated base, per-capita in- committee’s draft Gov. Heineman to deconsolidate growth in Wake County, the state’s come, and total area. education budget Omaha’s school district. Fueled by second largest school system, has However, the is the same as the a desire for greater local control, some parents weighing the merits formula also takes into governor’s. Each al- the new law will divide Omaha’s of deconsolidation. Fortunately, account a county’s ef- locates $90 million 45,000-student system into three North Carolina’s median district fort, that is, whether for teacher incentives smaller districts by 2008. Opponents size of 6,619 students means most the county is putting under the ABCs pro- predict long-term litigation, say- school districts are still small: 80 of enough of its own gram, a decrease of ing the plan legislates segregation the state’s 115 school systems have tax money into the $10 million from the and creates racially homogeneous fewer than 10,000 students. schools. For example, previous year. The school districts. While consensus is building Swain County’s effec- decrease is attributed But supporters see the plan’s that local control and institutional tive tax rate was below to computer model- deconsolidation as a move to em- responsiveness fall by the wayside the state average, and ing, which suggests power parents, as it allows voter- in mega-districts, many still con- the local appropria- that fewer schools elected school boards to lead each tend that larger districts save valu- tion per student was only 30.4 percent of will achieve the highest levels under the district. The law also enhances local able education dollars. But what is what the state figured the county could bonus program this coming year. control and parental choice by per- the economic bottom line? The truth have contributed based on its wealth. The Senate and the governor also mitting interdistrict student trans- is that supersized systems actu- As a result, Swain received only 30.4 agree on spending more than $9.7 mil- fers between the proposed Omaha ally cost more than they save, both percent of the low-wealth supplemental lion on the Learn and Earn initiative, systems and 10 surrounding dis- financially and academically. Bigger funds it could have gotten, had its tax which allows high school students to tricts. Legislators view downsizing budgets don’t translate into more rate and local school appropriations take classes on college (and community as a necessary reform and critical money in the classroom: an Alexis been higher. college) campuses and earn credit to- route to better schools: Sen. Ernie de Tocqueville Institution study Seventy of North Carolina’s 100 ward a college degree before receiving Chambers, Nebraska’s only black found that as district size increases, counties and 80 of the 115 local education a diploma. Both budgets also call for state lawmaker, said, “The only way the percentage spent on teachers, authorities qualify as “low wealth,” and providing nearly $4.5 million to create we have a shot at improving things books, and teaching materials actu- are eligible for the supplemental funds. small specialty high schools within exist- is to make it possible for the people ally goes down. Research continues But the General Assembly has never fully ing schools, and $2.8 million for a virtual whose children attend these schools to show that as school districts funded the program, so counties have high school, which would begin opera- to have control over them and what grow, graduation rates and student been receiving a pro-rated amount. The tions in the 2007-08 academic year. goes on in them.” achievement fall. governor is urging lawmakers to spend The committee’s initial draft bud- Debate over deconsolidation In the end, supersizing might the nearly $42 million it would take to get did not deal with the issue of teacher has traveled west to Clark County, sound like a good value, but it bring the program fully up to speed. and administrator pay increases. Besides Nev., as well. Home to the fifth- doesn’t deliver. Mega systems, with But when the Senate appropria- the governor’s plan to add $2,250 to largest school district in the country, multiple layers of bureaucracy, tions subcommittee for education sat each annual salary step (an average 8 Clark County serves a whopping can’t begin to meet individual stu- down to work on the public education percent overall increase for teachers and 292,000 students. State Sen. Sandra dent needs. When it comes to school budget in May, the governor’s request 7 percent for administrators), there are a Tiffany has tried unsuccessfully to district size, less really is more. CJ was not on the agenda. Instead, the number of other plans being discussed. break up the district for more than a legislators chose to restore the $44 mil- While there is strong sup- decade, claiming the large bureau- lion in discretionary reductions‚ which port for a substantial increase in the cracy makes education impersonal Lindalyn Kakadelis is director of the the governor had forced local education legislature this session, the exact and unresponsive. But thanks to the North Carolina Education Alliance. authorities to accept as an emergency amount will be the subject of much measure when budgets were much negotiation and compromise. CJ June 2006 CAROLINA 10 Education JOURNAL
School Reform Notes “History of Ideas” curriculum
Monument to failure Teacher Program Embraces Classical Traditions Mecklenburg County officials By HAL YOUNG can’t tell if they’re making progress on to be teachers with a Christian world aren’t the only ones getting a tech Contributing Editor becoming educated.” view.” headache lately. RALEIGH He has reason to doubt. “I’ve polled The “Christian” portion of teacher In fact, if they want a little rom the fall of Rome to the early my students about their coursework in education is not about preparation for solace after spending $10 million Renaissance, the tools and materi- high school, and almost uniformly the church schools, he said, but a full-orbed on a flawed criminal justice com- als of classical scholarship were students say, ‘We didn’t read in high view of life. O’Dell sees the curriculum’s puter program, as The Observer of Fpreserved in the libraries and monaster- school. We weren’t allowed to take our religious aspects from a broad, philo- Charlotte reported Sunday, they ies of the Christian church. In the same textbooks home, so how could we?’ ” need only look to Raleigh. There, sophical standpoint. “A comprehensive vein, a North Carolina college growing Christian world view is day in, day out, N.C. education leaders are trudging A different course through glitches and delays — and in the shade of a Baptist seminary is how you think. It’s how you process life. a little misinformation, they say cultivating a new generation of teachers, Southeastern is taking a different These students will have foundations — as they try to get a $250 million saturated in classical Western thought approach by de- in place for how education network online. and prepared to nurture young scholars signing a teach- they think,” he In February, state education in every venue — whether a public high er curriculum said. officials canceled a contract with school, an island missionary station, or that follows the “[Non-re- IBM for the development of N.C. a suburban kitchen table. classical tradi- ligious] schools WISE, a network intended to help Southeastern College at Wake For- tions of Chris- should not be schools by providing a central lo- est is a school of the Southeastern Baptist tian scholarship. afraid of a Chris- cation to enter and analyze school Theological Seminary, a graduate school Undergraduates tian teacher any and student data. supported by the Southern Baptist Con- take many of the more than they N.C. WISE has been beset by vention. The seminary was founded in same introducto- are afraid of an system difficulties; teachers have 1951; the college was established in 1994 ry courses found eclectic teacher complained that it often crashes and currently has about 500 students, at any liberal arts without par- and freezes. Philip Price, state as- compared to more than 2,000 at the college, but the ticular beliefs seminary. Southeastern’s original focus centerpiece is a Student Kimmy Shockly studies on the campus — which they sociate superintendent for business of Southeastern Baptist Seminary. and finance, said the state will take as preparation for seminary study has 12-hour block aren’t,” he said. over coordinating with contractors expanded to other undergraduate pro- of classes called Southeast- and suppliers to resolve issues and grams including music, English, history, “The History of Ideas.” ern’s programs in secondary English and finish the network. and education. Students are stretched to go be- social studies are both approved by the The contract with IBM called Dr. Alan O’Dell is the chair of yond basic classes in English and history state’s Department of Public Instruction to engage the great works of Western for N.C. WISE to be completed by Southeastern’s education department and the National Council for Accredita- literature and thought, from Plato and 2006-07, but the program has been and a veteran administrator and instruc- tion of Teacher Education. Graduates of Aeschylus to Calvin, Locke, and Des- delayed twice and is now being tor at both K-12 and collegiate levels. SECWF go through the same certification cartes, and including modern thinkers used by only a third of the state’s He is overseeing the transition to an process as other public school teach- such as Kant, Marx, Freud, and W.E.B. schools. intellectually rigorous teacher educa- ers, completing their student teaching tion program, fully integrated with Dubois. Divinity students and teachers in local public schools and taking the Southeastern’s “History of Ideas” cur- concentrating on the humanities take same exams. riculum, which challenges students to another 12 hours in their senior-level While the emphasis on classical Experiments on N.C., Tenn. engage the Western tradition of Christian studies. scholarship is a return to an old tradition North Carolina and Tennessee thought and scholarship. Dr. Peter Schemm, dean of the — Southeastern offers courses in formal will be allowed to change the way Many teacher education programs, college and a professor at the seminary, logic and rhetoric, for example — the they measure student progress un- he said, have promoted professionalism told Baptist Press in April that this inten- college is expanding its vision beyond der the federal No Child Left Behind at the cost of a well-rounded education sive study in the currents of literature training for the classroom alone. By mov- Act, the only two states chosen for for the students themselves. South- and philosophy is key to realizing the ing the curriculum’s primary emphasis college’s mission. a national experiment. eastern hopes to recover the ideal of a toward individual scholarship, South- “Understanding the history of The U.S. Department of classical education, something he said eastern is hoping to attract students who ideas — great ideas and not-so-great Education announced in May that is particularly lacking in colleges of hope to become tutors, missionaries, or ideas — through the ‘Great Books’ of the two states may track how indi- education today. to simply pass the breadth of Western Western thought is how students become vidual students perform in math “One of the things we’ve done in culture on to their children. culturally literate. And if our college stu- and reading over time, known as [teacher] education is to make it frag- Recently the program director dents are going to reach people of other a “growth model.” mented,” O’Dell said. “Where we fall for Christian teacher education met cultures, as well as our culture, they must Until now, states could mea- short is spending all our time on how be culturally literate,” he said. with representatives of private school, sure success or failure only by to teach, not on what or why. We’re not Every undergraduate, whether Christian school, and homeschooling comparing the scores of different giving the students a framework to help aiming for seminary or not, also takes organizations, to ask their perspective on groups of children from one year them answer questions for the next 40 several courses in theology, Bible, and the new curriculum. The initial response to the next. Many educators say years, rather than just get through the church history, enough to graduate with has been positive, O’Dell said, both from that system is unfair because it next year.” a dual major in Biblical studies and their well-respected private schools and from does not recognize changes in the Part of this stems from the growth other discipline. In fact, the education homeschooling advocates. population or improvement by of high-stakes testing, which affects curriculum is properly titled, “Chris- He also noted that a number of individual students. school faculty and administrators as tian Teacher Education,” to emphasize Southeastern students already enrolled The two states were picked, well as students. its reliance on traditional Christian in the old curriculum are choosing to officials said, because they have “I think the governors’ meetings thought as the standard for education convert to the longer and more rigor- data systems to track individual that prompted Goals 2000 and America and instruction. ous program. students, including all children in 2000 showed an agreement that educa- “At most Christian colleges, the O’Dell said that when they started required testing, and they commit- tion is broken. The response has been program is geared toward producing the History of Ideas and great books ted to closing achievement gaps to develop a set of tests upon which to public school teachers,” O’Dell said. “I program, they were told “these books between whites and minorities. The judge the quality of education. A primary don’t think they have consciously com- are too hard for people who are going to two states will also track whether goal now for the states is improving test mitted to integrated faith and learning. be teachers.” Some may believe the old children who are already at grade scores,” O’Dell said. They see a true division between secular saw, “Those who can’t, teach.” South- level are still improving. CJ “There has been some improve- and sacred as two separate things. But eastern College at Wake Forest plans to ment in passing the tests,” he said. “We we are intentionally training students change that perception. CJ CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL Education 11 What works best Power of One Celebrates Leaders Working With Children
By PAIGE HOLLAND HAMP valued. He cares about all children, of Contributing Editor all races and all ages. Once he leaves RALEIGH ““Joe is a dedicated public servant who has had a the high school, he goes to the other n June 3, more than 1,000 top four schools in the county — volun- elected officials and business direct impact of the lives on literally hundreds and teering, counseling, and tutoring. He and education leaders attended hundreds of young men and women in Charlotte and is always looking for a way to help a Othe 2006 North Carolina Education Ball child. Hawkins is an humble man who at the Progress Energy Center for Per- across the state.” offers his help with no expectation of forming Arts in Raleigh. Pat McCrory anything in return. Hawkins also is a The Education Ball was created to Mayor of Charlotte volunteer for Helping Hands Mentors, celebrate outstanding educators, busi- PYDCO-Pamlico Youth Development ness leaders, elected officials, nonprofit Community Organization, and Habitat organizations, and supporters who work for Humanity. to ensure educational success for North L. Icard of Hickory, Petro Kulynych of of literally hundreds and hundreds of Goodnight comes from a family Carolina students. Each year at the event Wilkesboro, Bob Luddy of Wake Forest, young men and women in Charlotte of teachers, and carries forward their the H. Glenn Williams Power of One Michael Olander of Raleigh, RBC Cen- and across the state.” belief in the value of education for Awards are presented to individuals, tura Bank in Rocky Mount, Syngenta Kulynych, the son of a Ukrainian advancing a just society. Goodnight is companies, or organizations that have Crop Protection in Greensboro, and Joe immigrant, at one time was poor. So, he known throughout the Triangle com- demonstrated significant contributions I. “Coach” White of Charlotte. knows what real need is. Kulynych also munity and beyond as a tireless commu- of time and resources to educational The 2006 H. Glenn Williams knows the key to success is education, nity advocate, coalition builder, change efforts in the state. Power of One Award recipients were hard work, and commitment. In 1946 he maker, and champion for education. Her The Power of One Awards were announced by WTVD anchors Angela began work as a bookkeeper for Lowe’s support of Communities In Schools at created in honor of longtime CIS sup- Hampton and John Clark and this year’s Hardware and rose to become chairman both the state and local level has helped porter, community volunteer, and leader recipients were Goodnight, Hawkins, and chief executive officer. Thanks to move the organization to a new level. H. Glenn Williams. Glenn was a beacon Kulynych and White. Each of these the magnitude of his philanthropy Thanks to Goodnight’s leadership, the of light and a man of God who demon- leaders has a long-term commitment to and the depth of his commitment, a SAS Community Learning Center was strated his faith by example every day bettering the lives of North Carolina’s powerful difference is being made in created at the Kentwood public housing of his life. children. the lives of thousands of children in community. She also is a cofounder of He was gracious and good-natured Coach White has dedicated both Wilkes County. Cary Academy and serves on the Board and had a friendly smile and a kind his professional and personal life to edu- Glendora Chipman, who nomi- of High Five. In addition, she serves word for everyone. Glenn brought joy cating and guiding youth. White was an nated him for the awards, said, “Even on the NCSU Board of Trustees and is wherever he went and found joy in educator for nearly four decades, most of though he is over the age of 80, Petro is cochair of the $1 billion NCSU Capital everything he did, particularly in the that in the Mecklenburg County school energized by what he calls, ‘the plea- Campaign. smiles of the children he worked to help. system. His one-on-one relationships sure of giving’ – and it’s a pleasure he While the H. Glenn Williams Glenn was an inspiration to everyone with the children that he taught and indulges in with gusto. Scholarships, Power of One Award celebrates and who knew him and a true example of coached made a profound difference in essay contests, Christmas presents, recognizes leaders who are working the “power of one.” their lives. Many attribute their desire school clothing, matching grant dollars, for children, its real goal is to inspire After reviewing a diverse field and ability to go to college to Coach. He a tutoring center are just a few examples others to action. Every person can give of candidates from across North Caro- has continued his commitment by serv- of how Petro has touched the hearts and something. Participants don’t have to lina, 12 finalists were selected: Michael ing on the Mecklenberg School Board, minds of our most needy kids.” be highly educated to provide a meal Brader-Araje of Durham, Linda Coye where he is chairman. By 7:30 every morning, Hawkins for someone who has nothing. One of of Brevard, Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Mayor Pat McCrory of Charlotte is in the halls of Pamlico County High my favorite leaders, Winston Churchill, Chapter in Warsaw, Ann Goodnight of said, “Joe is a dedicated public servant School. Hawkins works hard to make once said, “We make a living by what we Cary, Reggie Hawkins of Bayboro, R. who has had a direct impact of the lives sure that every student in the school feels get. We make a life by what we give.” CJ
Since 1991, Carolina Journal has provided thousands of readers each month with in-depth reporting, informed analysis, and incisive commentary about the most pressing state and local issues in North Carolina. Now Carolina Journal has taken its trademark blend of news, analysis, and commentary to the airwaves with Carolina Journal Radio. A weekly, one-hour newsmagazine, Carolina Journal Radio is hosted by John Hood and Donna Martinez and features a diverse mix of guests and topics. The pro- gram is currently broadcast on 18 commercial stations – from the mountains to the coast. The Carolina Journal Radio Network includes these fine affiliates: Asheville WWNC AM 570 Sundays 7:00 PM Albemarle/Concord WSPC AM 1010 Saturdays 11:00 AM Burlington WBAG AM 1150 Saturdays 9:00 AM Chapel Hill WCHL AM 1360 Saturdays 5:00 PM Elizabeth City WGAI AM 560 Saturdays 6:00 AM Fayetteville WFNC AM 640 Saturdays 1:00 PM Gastonia/Charlotte WZRH AM 960 Saturdays 1:00 PM Goldsboro WGBR AM 1150 Saturdays 12:00 PM Greensboro/Burlington WSML AM 1200 Saturdays 12:00 PM Greenville/Washington WDLX AM 930 Saturdays 10:00 AM Hendersonville WHKP AM 1450 Sundays 5:00 PM Jacksonville WJNC AM 1240 Sundays 7:00 PM Lumberton WFNC FM 102.3 Saturdays 1:00 PM Newport/New Bern WTKF FM 107.3 Sundays 7:00 PM Salisbury WSTP AM 1490 Saturdays 11:00 AM Siler City WNCA AM 1570 Sundays 6:00 AM Southern Pines WEEB AM 990 Wednesdays 8:00 AM Whiteville WTXY AM 1540 Tuesdays 10:00 AM Wilmington WAAV AM 980 Saturdays 1:00 PM Winston-Salem/Triad WSJS AM 600 Saturdays 12:00 PM For more information, visit www.CarolinaJournal.com/CJRadio June 2006 CAROLINA 12 Higher Education JOURNAL Bats in the Belltower 2005-’06 Academic Year Will Be Remembered
Moving the goalposts — to By SHANNON BLOSSER the other end of the field Associate Editor CHAPEL HILL In March 2005, a federal judge olleges and universities in North issued a preliminary injunction Carolina and across the country against UNC-Chapel Hill’s use of its conducted graduation ceremo- nondiscrimination policy to prevent Cnies in May marking the end to another a Christian fraternity from choosing academic year, one that will be remem- members based on religious beliefs. bered for some time to come. The university sought to deny official Here is a snapshot of the academic recognition to the group, Alpha Iota year that was: Omega, because the group would not pledge to sign the nondiscrimination Columnist fired from DTH clause. The evangelizing fraternity sought to sign an amended version In September, UNC-Chapel Hill of the pledge that would allow them student Jillian Bandes sparked a national to limit their membership to fellow controversy when she used her weekly believers, but their attempt was column in The Daily Tar Heel to promote rebuffed by UNC. racial profiling for Arabs in airports. The Most of the major events in higher education that grabbed the headlines in North Caro- Chancellor James Moeser ex- column was published just days after lina in the past year happened outside of the classroom. plained the university’s decision by the fourth anniversary of the Sept. 11 saying “[t]here is sometimes a ten- terrorist attacks. curred to a 911 dispatcher. At that time, was terminated without cause. sion between the First Amendment “I want all Arabs to be stripped he said he committed the act to punish At the same time the audit inves- to the Constitution and the equal naked and cavity-searched if they get the American government for its treat- tigation’s findings were released, State protection provisions in the Four- within 100 yards of an airport,” Bandes ment of Muslims worldwide. He faces Auditor Les Merritt released an audit of teenth Amendment,” which UNC wrote. “I don’t care if they’re being in- nine counts of attempted murder along the community college system saying resolves by requiring any student convenienced. I don’t care if it seems as with nine other charges. If convicted, he the system needed to better monitor group seeking official recognition to though their rights are being violated. I could face a 150-year prison sentence. employment contracts, by-laws, and allow “membership and participa- care about my life. I care about the lives local boards within the system. He also tion without regard to age, race, color, of my family and friends. And I care Bowles named president recommended improved training pro- national origin, religion, disability, about the lives of the Arabs and Arab- grams for trustees and business office sex, or sexual orientation.” Americans I’m privileged to know and In October, members of the UNC personnel. Last month, Judge Frank Bull- study with.” Board of Governors named Erskine ock Jr., who had issued the prelimi- Members of the UNC-Chapel Hill Bowles, the former Clinton administra- Committee begins study nary injunction last year, dismissed Muslim Student Association denounced tion chief of staff, as the system’s next AIO’s lawsuit against UNC. The the column. Professors whom Bandes president, ending a four-month search During a press conference in Char- university declared victory. In a press quoted said she had taken their quotes to replace former President Molly Broad. lotte, Secretary of Education Margaret release, Moeser said, “We believe this out of context, for which she was fired Many Democrats and Republicans, Spellings introduced a higher education ruling affirms the university’s central from the newspaper. believing his business and legislative committee that would examine issues position since the case began. There is knowledge would be beneficial to the relating to higher education’s future. UNC system, championed for Bowles’ The committee offered a mix of value in having a non-discrimination Cartoon creates controversy policy at a public university.” appointment. higher education leaders, business So from now on at UNC, In February, college newspapers However, the appointment didn’t representatives, and political leaders. evangelizing religious organizations across the country, including in North come without a bit of controversy. Mem- Among those selected to serve on the are forbidden from limiting their Carolina, debated ethical issues involved bers of the search committee convened committee was former North Carolina membership to fellow believers? with publishing cartoons from Denmark a meeting in which no notice was given Gov. James Hunt. No, actually. that depicted the Prophet Muhammad. to nominate Bowles for consideration to A final report is expected in Au- Bullock’s ruling “affirms the Some published the cartoons, while the full membership. gust. university’s central position” — now others such as The Daily Tar Heel pub- Many considered the action to be that the university has changed lished its own cartoons. The Daily Tar a violation of the state’s Open Meet- Campus rights victories it “since the case began.” Bullock Heel cartoon showed Muhammad with ings Law. However, groups such as the wrote in his decision that “the court the caption, “They may get me from North Carolina Press Association filed In January, the Foundation for was satisfied that application of the my bad side … but they show me from no lawsuits over the move. Individual Rights in Education along policy (as written, although perhaps my worst.” with the Pope Center released a report not as interpreted by the university) That cartoon led to an outcry of HCC’s Gasper fired that examined First Amendment issues to Plaintiffs would violate their rights emotions on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus within the University of North Carolina. as guaranteed by the First and Four- and the newspaper was admonished by Halifax Community College Presi- The report found that 13 of the 16 insti- teenth Amendments” (emphasis UNC-Chapel Hill’s Vice Chancellor for dent Ted Gasper was fired in January for tutions “have at least one policy that added because that “and” indicates Student Affairs Margaret Jablonski, who allowing political activities for former both clearly and substantially restricts movement in concert by the amend- called the cartoon “hurtful.” The Muslim U.S. Rep. Frank Ballance on campus and freedom of speech.” ments, not tension between them). Student Association also denounced the for other charges. The firing took place In the months that followed the But UNC had revised its policy cartoon. after an investigation and audit that release, two schools overturned policies in 2005. That being the case, AIO examined some of the charges levied that limited free speech on campus. UNC- against him. Greensboro in March removed restric- applied for and received official SUV attack in The Pit student recognition at the start of That audit report, released in Oc- tions on where students can speak freely, the 2005-06 school year, so the judge Mohammad Reza Taheri-azar, a tober, found more than $15,000 in ques- ending its “free speech zone” policy. dismissed the case as moot. Tension December UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, tionable payments to Gasper for fringe Also in March, following a request resolved. CJ was arrested March 3 after a terrorist benefits and travel. It also found that the by a student after reading the report, attack on campus in which Taheri-azar Halifax Community College Board of Appalachian State’s Department of used a rented SUV to run over students at Trustees approved Gasper’s contract in Housing and Residence Life eliminated Jon Sanders, research editor of the popular gathering place on campus 2001 without knowing the details of the a policy that said, “[h]arassment or the the John Locke Foundation, compiled known as “The Pit.”. contract. That contract included annual use of abusive language, insults, taunts, this report. Taheri-azar admitted his involve- one-year extensions to the length of the or challenges director toward another ment in the attack moments after it oc- contract and a $375,000 buyout if Gasper person are prohibited.” CJ CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL Higher Education 13 Gates Foundation Gives Grant Commentary Of $10.4 Million to NC Schools Perils of Academic Philanthropy arge donations to colleges disclosed to the Robertson family, By SHANNON BLOSSER said an additional 21 schools will open and universities have a a document clearly showing that Associate Editor in the fall, while 20 more will open in troubled history, but noth- $750,000 of Foundation money was RALEIGH 2007-2008. The new high schools will Ling compares with the legal battle being used to pay student tuition he Bill and Melinda Gates Foun- focus on themes such as engineering, between Princeton University and outside the Wilson School. Wright dation has donated $10.4 million international studies, information tech- the Robertson family. This fight advised that the Robertsons would to North Carolina’s New Schools nology, and biotechnology. has important lessons for anyone be “greatly upset” over this revela- TProject and Learn and Earn program, There are 13 Learn and Earn pro- who is contemplating a gift to an tion and said that the university marking the second time in three years grams in operation, with 23 to open in institution of higher would need to decide the foundation has provided funding to the fall and 20 the next year. Many of the education. whether to disclose improving high schools and creating an programs are situated on the campuses Charles Robertson the document. Princ- early-college program. of the state’s community colleges and was a Princeton gradu- eton decided to revise In all, the Gates Foundation has universities. ate, class of 1926. His the document so that given $21.4 million, $11 million of which Tony Habit, of the New Schools wife inherited a fortune the fact of the outlays came in 2003, to the New Schools and Project, said the new grant would al- through her grandfa- outside the purposes Learn and Earn Projects. Of the $10.4 low for the development of up to 30 ther, the founder of the of the Foundation were million in new funding, $9 million goes new schools, depending on enrollment A&P grocery chain. In hidden. Princeton now to the New Schools Project, a program trends. However, part of the grant will 1961, the Robertsons admits that its action aimed at redesigning high schools with be used for teacher training and devel- created the Robert- was “inappropriate.” economic development themes, while opment and other resources. son Foundation and Princeton wants $1 million goes to Learn and Earn, a Easley said it was important to endowed it with $35 to keep control over program that allows students to attend focus high schools on job training in million worth of A&P stock. The the Robertson Foundation money, high school for five years and graduate order to keep pace with other economies certificate of incorporation stated which represents about 6 percent with an associate’s degree. in the world. the purposes of the Foundation to of its entire endowment of more Gov. Mike Easley announced the “We intend to not only fight back, assist the Woodrow Wilson School than $11 billion, even though it new grant during a press conference but we intend to win,” Easley said of “where men and women dedicated seems clear that university officials on May 23 where Tom Vander Ark, educational achievements and competi- to public service may prepare have long been circumventing executive director for education of the tion from other countries. themselves for careers in govern- the restrictions placed on the use Gates Foundation, joined him. Others Vander Ark said he was impressed ment service” particularly the of the money by Robertson. For in attendance were Superintendent of with what North Carolina has done with federal government. example, dean John Lewis of the Schools June Atkinson, UNC President the program. The announcement of the The donors wanted their gift Wilson School wrote in a memo Erskine Bowles, and President of the Gates Foundation’s latest grant came to be used for graduate training in to Princeton’s president in 1972, North Carolina Community College on the same day the Senate released its international affairs with the ex- “What bothers me” about the terms System Martin Lancaster. budget plan. pectation that most of the students of the gift “is the unspoken premise According to a press release, 11 “It’s the best education budget that would work for the federal govern- that, with respect to any American new high schools focus on an economic we’ve seen come out of the Senate at ment in a capacity relating to their institution dealing in public affairs, development theme in the state. Easley least in my lifetime,” Easley said. CJ training. In a 1962 letter, Charles the highest loyalty automatically Robertson wrote about his desires: must be to the U.S. government…. “If substantial numbers of persons The university should resist a blind Award-Winning Music Director trained in the School do not go into commitment to nation-state paro- government service…then no mat- chialism.” ter how excellent their training may The case is expected to come Named Arts School Chancellor have been, the basic purpose of the to trial later this year in a New School is not being achieved.” Jersey state court. As a remedy, By SHANNON BLOSSER for school administrators. The trouble is that Princeton Robertson family members are ask- Associate Editor There were also illegal land sales officials wanted to spend much ing that they be allowed to use the CHAPEL HILL to divert funds to put up a deposit for a of the money from the Robertson gift money independent of the uni- ward-winning music director new residency for the chancellor, illegal Foundation on other things. versity. They also want restitution John Mauceri, whose most payments of $90,000 to the vice chancel- As early as 1972, Charles for all improper expenditures, plus recent credits include directing lor, and overtime payments of $69,000 to Robertson expressed dissatisfaction damages. How this will be resolved Athe Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, has been an employee with a maximum salary of with the way Princeton was using is anyone’s guess. named chancellor at the North Carolina $49,000, among other charges. the money from the Foundation, Much is at stake. Each year, School of the Arts. His appointment UNC President Erskine Bowles and at his death in 1981, mat- U.S. colleges and universities marks the end of a two-year controversy said Mauceri would be able to effectively ters were still quietly simmering. receive about $24 billion in dona- and transition at the school. lead the institution. “He truly has the Not until 2002, however, did the tions, and big donations often come UNC Board of Governors members potential to raise this university to a volcano erupt in a lawsuit brought with strings attached. If Princeton’s approved Mauceri’s nomination during new level,” Bowles said. by several members of the Robert- position prevails, donors who want the May meeting. He will start July 1 Besides directing the Hollywood son family. Their suit charges that to ensure that their generosity will and will be paid a salary of $215,000 Bowl Orchestra, Mauceri is also the Princeton has illicitly commingled be used in ways only they approve annually. director of the Pittsburgh Opera. He Robertson Foundation money with of will have to look for new legal Mauceri said he and the school also won a Grammy, a Tony, an Emmy, the university’s endowment and approaches that create an impen- were “looking forward to sharing the a Billboard and other awards and honors has used Foundation money for etrable wall between their money message of our young people to the for his work. purposes unrelated to those desired and university control. world.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in by Charles Robertson. Their law- Actually, that is a good idea Mauceri comes on board a year music theory and composition from Yale yers have discovered a lot of damn- no matter how this legal donny- after Chancellor Wade Hobgood re- University in 1967. ing evidence against the university. brook turns out. CJ signed in June 2005, citing personal Members of the search commit- In April 2002, for instance, reasons. Hobgood’s resignation, though, tee called Mauceri their “dream can- university secretary Thomas Wright came after a state audit found several didate.” sent a memo to President Shirley George C. Leef is executive violations including instances in which “They did it because they were Tilghman. It called her attention to director of the Pope Center for Higher NCSA-affiliated foundations paid car willing to dream and dream big,” Bowles a document that was about to be Education Policy. lease payments and country club dues said about the selection. CJ June 2006 CAROLINA 14 Higher Education JOURNAL Course of the Month Legislator Seeks to Overturn Turn Your Radio On Out-of-State Student Provision
his month CM is pleased to go al interest and I took it to Dr. Woods, By SHANNON BLOSSER was next with 40, followed by UNC- to UNC-Greensboro to report the head of the African American Stud- Associate Editor Chapel Hill at 39. Western Carolina on a groundbreaking “history” ies department,” Salisbury said. The RALEIGH (31) and UNC-Greensboro (30) were Tclass. This class delves into the history class covers three main areas associated state legislator is calling for a the only other schools that transferred of music that is up to 30 years old. with Hip-Hop: culture, economics and budget provision considered by more than 30 athletic scholarships into That’s up to three whole decades! politics. critics as a gift to athletic booster in-state tuition offers. The course is “The History of “There is something for every- Aorganizations to be overturned before Elizabeth City State University, Country Music After Elvis,” and body and everyone does well in at least the costs get out of hand. Fayetteville State University, North CM picks up where the UNCG one aspect of the class. My business A provision in the 2005-2007 Carolina A&T, North Carolina School student newspaper, the Carolinian, majors do well in the economic portion, biennium allowing UNC institutions of the Arts, and Winston-Salem State reports glowingly on the course and my political science majors do well in to consider out-of-state residents as in- University did not transfer any out- its professor: the politics portion. I’m basically here state residents for purposes of awarding of-state athletic scholarship to in-state to be the guide,” Salisbury scholarships was bad fiscal policy for scholarships. The North Carolina School A class where it is said. ... taxpayers, Rep. George Cleveland, R- of the Arts does not have an athletics not uncommon to hear the “If this is what gets Onslow, said during a recent legislative program. names Randy Travis, Big people excited and pumped joint appropriations subcommittee on When academics are entered into & Rich and Garth Brooks. about learning, then I’m education meeting. the equation, UNC-Chapel Hill con- This class, facilitated by the all for it.” “ N o b o d y verted the most Agriculture Department, discussed it,” scholarships at looks not only at the his- The article goes Cleveland said. “It “I do have a problem 100. North Caroli- tory, but also the econom- on to explain that one was not voted on na State converted ics and politics of “new reason to offer classes on except as a budget with taxpayers support- 80, while East Car- Jon item.” olina transferred country” (country music Sanders the subject of hip-hop after Elvis died). music was to grow and C l e v e l a n d ing things they should 60. Every school Instructor Cory diversify the African- asked a repre- in the system con- Larry originally came to UNCG to American Studies Department. sentative of the not be supporting. I verted at least one study socio-historical aspects of NAS- Legislative Fiscal strongly feel this is one scholarship from CAR but later had a mind to teach, too. Note: Jami Taylor wrote to Research Division out-of-state to in- His course on “new country” started CM about the March article about to analyze the of them. We should ad- state. in 2002. her report on “Transgender in the program’s cost to UNC-Cha- “It was created out of my per- Classroom” at NC State. In part, taxpayers. Accord- dress it and change it.” pel Hill added 10 sonal interest,” Dr. Larry said. The Taylor wrote: ing to the analy- Morehead schol- class covers three main areas associated “I saw your article ‘Transgen- sis performed by Rep. George Cleveland arships, nine of with country music: culture, economics der in the Classroom’ and would Richard Bostic, R-Onslow which were given and politics. like a chance to respond to your who handles UNC to out-of-state stu- “There is something for every- comments. You misunderstood my budget issues for dents. Twenty-four body and everyone does well in at least section about NCSU not needing a the General Assembly, 456 out-of-state of the 100 scholarships at UNC-Chapel one aspect of the class. My business sexuality studies curriculum. I’m students were considered in-state stu- Hill converted from out-of-state to in- majors do well in the economic portion, absolutely on your side in not want- dents after the provision was adopted. Of state were Morehead scholars. NCSU my political science majors do well in ing a sexuality studies curriculum those students, 311 were attending UNC added five Parks Scholars, all of which the politics portion. I’m basically here at NCSU. There are plenty of places institutions on athletic scholarships. were given to out-of-state students. to be the guide,” Larry said. where people can go to study that Observers who complained about the Cleveland said this program and He went further: “Shoot, I don’t sort of thing. NCSU is not one of provision when it was included in the his disgust has nothing to do with really teach anyway, I just guide the them nor should it be. Students that budget last year said it would reward education. discussion. But if this is what gets want to study that should not be sponsors of athletic scholarships. “I have no problem with educa- people excited and pumped about learn- here. I look at GLBT issues within The cost of the program is about tion at all or I wouldn’t be sitting here,” ing, then I’m all for it.” the context of my disciplines (po- $5.2 million. The biggest amount is as- Cleveland said during a recent subcom- litical science, library science, and sociated with UNC-Chapel Hill. The mittee meeting. “I do have a problem Now, no doubt you’re hop- public administration). That is far tuition loss to the state is $1.4 million. with taxpayers supporting things they ing that CM is making this all up. different than ‘making up’ a new Typically, out-of-state students are should not be supporting. I strongly feel Well, for once you’re right! In CM’s discipline.” charged a rate of $17,003, but the in-state this is one of them. We should address defense, however, what you read is Later Taylor added, “If you rate is $3,205, a considerable saving to it and change it.” only a slight variation on a theme look through the Needs Assess- scholarship donors. Not all members of the subcommit- provided by UNCG with its very ment, you will find that there isn’t Students do not receive any of tee were willing to consider the change. real African American Studies 305: much discussion about NCSU the savings from the program. Instead, Sen. John Garwood, a Republican who Hip-Hop Culture, Economics and spending money to accommodate booster clubs and scholarship donors lost in his primary bid for re-election in Politics. transgender people. Please compare receive the benefit, Bostic said. Cleveland May, said he had concerns because the From the UNCG Carolinian of that to any other ‘GLBT’ needs as- said he thinks the cost of this program scholarships go to needy students. April 18: sessment or policy document.” will continue to grow. “I hope this won’t be considered,” Both of those aspects are “If we don’t nip this this year, I Garwood said. “It would take money A class where it is not uncommon indeed different from the other can see us spending $50 million on this from a lot of needy students. I want us to hear the names Russell Simmons, university identity-politics “needs” program,” Cleveland said. “It’s not a to be very careful with how we treat Tupac and the Wu-Tang Clan. This, a assessments and policy documents good program.” this.” class facilitated by the African Ameri- CM has encountered, and we are Of the 311 athletic scholarships Cleveland countered by saying can Studies department, has developed pleased to amend the record to re- that were switched to in-state status, the that students would not be affected one a Hip-Hop Culture, Economics and flect that. CJ majority was from some of the state’s way or the other. Politics course with teacher Tracey biggest athletic departments. North “These students had their tuition Salisbury. ... “Hip-Hop Culture” was Carolina State University reclassified covered prior to this year,” Cleveland started at UNCG in 2002. Jon Sanders is research editor for 52 scholarships from out-of-state to in- said. “There was no problem getting “It was created out of my person- the John Locke Foundation. state, while East Carolina University their tuition covered. We’re circum- transferred 50. North Carolina Central venting the 18 percent cap.” CJ CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL Higher Education 15 Are Faculty Working in Higher Education Being ‘Devalued’?
fied faculty.” would indicate the study finds that adjuncts would be By GEORGE C. LEEF That’s pret- that the com- hardly above the poverty line if they Contributing Editor ty good pleading, pensation is too did that. RALEIGH but there doesn’t low. It would That sounds pretty bad, but it’s the ach year, the American Association appear to be any then need to of- wrong way to look at it. Most adjunct of University Professors puts out reason to believe fer more to in- faculty teach part-time in addition to a study on faculty compensation. that the mix of duce a capable their regular jobs. The school and the EThis year’s study takes on a somewhat monetary and finance instruc- adjunct professor enter into a contract alarmist tone. Its title, “The Devaluing n o n m o n e t a r y tor to give up his that’s mutually acceptable. In exchange of Higher Education,” suggests there is benefits offered next best oppor- for some extra money, the professor some ominous trend at work that could to lure people tunity and teach gives up some of his free time and make “faculty positions less appealing into the teaching at the school. fulfills the teaching obligation. There for the next generation of scholars.” ranks is slipping Colleges isn’t any exploitation. Nor is there any The difficulty, according to the so low that we risk losing a lot of com- and universities compete in the labor reason to think that adjunct professors AAUP researcher, is that in 2005-06 petent educators to other endeavors. market and, just like businesses, they are necessarily worse than full-timers in average faculty salaries increased less We certainly want some of the nation’s have to be attentive to market realities. teaching a course. than the rate of inflation. While average brightest in the teaching ranks, but And there is every reason to believe that Such contracts enable schools gross pay rose by 3.1 percent, inflation we also want a lot of them working they are. They continually make mar- to economize. Rather than having to (measured by the Consumer Price Index) in business, the ginal adjustments hire someone full-time to fill a slot that increased by 3.4 percent. That’s a pretty professions, and that enable them requires only a few hours of work per small erosion of purchasing power and charitable sector, to be able to em- week, part-time contracting allows a since the inflation rate was unexpectedly and so forth. ploy professors, school to put a competent instructor high — it had been around 2.5 percent for How would Colleges and universi- administrators, in front of students where it might not several years — it’s hard to see this as a we know if there re- and all the other otherwise be feasible. serious “devaluing” of higher education. ally was a problem ties compete in the labor people they need. Undoubtedly, there are some Rather, it looks like a minor bump in the of undercompen- The invisible hand adjuncts who do try to make a living road. The study doesn’t say whether sation? It wouldn’t market and, just like of the market is at just on their earnings from several po- there have been years when average be from looking at work to prevent sitions. That is undoubtedly a difficult faculty compensation exceeded the rate statistical averages businesses, they have any problem from life. The only solution, however, is at of inflation, but that has undoubtedly across the whole to be attentive to market developing. the individual level. If you have made occurred. of the profession. The weakest a mistake and invested in getting PhD Of course, the AAUP wants to Instead, individual realities. part of the study credentials in a field where the demand get as much mileage as possible for its schools looking is its analysis of is weak, you’ll have to either accept low members out of this supposedly bad to fill particular compensation for earnings or do something else. (The same news. Therefore, it is “spun” in a way positions would part-time faculty, is true in other fields, such as the legal that can be used to argue for increasing detect a problem if, when they advertise a.k.a. adjunct professors. Many institu- profession.) pay for professors. “[I]t would seem a faculty opening, they didn’t attract tions employ adjunct professors to teach Inadvertently, however, the report imperative for colleges and universities competent applicants. If a college has just a single class on a contract basis. points to the reason why there are some to continue to attract the nation’s bright- an opening for a sociology professor Frequently, adjuncts are written about Ph.D.s who have to eke out a living by est scholars to their faculties,” the report and receives 100 applications for it at the as if they were an exploited class. holding down multiple adjunct positions states. “If they fail to do so, the quality posted compensation, there’s no reason The study argues that the adequacy — we have a surplus of Ph.D.s. CJ of U.S. higher education will diminish. to worry. On the other hand, the same of compensation for part-time faculty Now more than ever, all those with a institution might have an opening for should be determined by asking how stake in higher education need to grasp a professor of finance and if it attracted much an individual would earn if he George C. Leef is executive director the importance of salary and benefits in just two applications from people with worked full-time at the compensation of the Pope Center for Higher Education recruiting and retaining the best-quali- weak or unproven teaching ability, that paid for part-time work. Doing the math, Policy. Stay in the know with the JLF blogs Visit our family of weblogs for immediate analysis and commentary on issues great and small
The Locker Room is the blog on the main JLF Web site. All JLF employees and many friends of the foundation post on this site every day: http://www.johnlocke.org/lockerroom/
The Meck Deck is the JLF’s blog in Charlotte. Jeff Taylor blogs on this site and has made it a must-read for anyone interested in issues in the Queen City: http://charlotte.johnlocke.org/blog/
Squall Lines is the JLF’s blog in Wilmington. Zeb Wright keeps folks on the coast updated on issues fac- ing that region of the state: http://wilmington.johnlocke.org/blog/
The John Locke Foundation, 200 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27601 | 919-828-3876 June 2006 CAROLINA 16 Local Government JOURNAL Town and County Court Ruling Imperils Red-Light Penalties Raleigh impact fees up By MICHAEL LOWREY The Raleigh City Council has Associate Editor voted to increase the impact fee RALEIGH charged on new-home construc- new N.C. Court of Appeals tion, The News & Observer of Raleigh ruling likely will temporarily reports. The 72 percent increase unplug most of the state’s red- was substantially less than Mayor Alight cameras. The decision requires Charles Meeker had sought. that most of the money generated by The impact fee was about $682 the cameras go to local school systems, for the typical single-family house, making the cameras a financial drain an amount that had remained on localities under their existing state largely unchanged since 1988. operating authority. Meeker had campaigned on raising High Point, like about two dozen the fee and recommended council other localities, has authority from the raise it to about $2,400. By a 5-3 General Assembly to operate a red-light vote, however, council approved camera program. The city contracts an increase to about $1,170 per new with a private company, Peek Traffic, house. The increase will be phased to supply the equipment and operate in over two years. the system. In exchange, Peek got $35 An Appeals Court ruling said localities cannot exempt out-sourcing fees for camera opera- “This council really ought to from each $50 civil penalty issued. The tions and administration from the amount they give to school systems. do more for our citizens,” Meeker remaining revenues from the cameras, lished by its red light camera ordinance, “clear proceeds” in Concord and Wake said. less compensation for hearing appeals then High Point is enforcing a penal law was constitutional. If the Assembly does The city estimates the higher officers, went into a special fund for of the state because the City is acting un- have the authority to define the term as fees will bring in $2.7 million a traffic safety improvements in High der the authority of section 160A-300.1 of it did for those two jurisdictions, then year when fully implemented. Point. the General Statutes, which provides for red- light camera programs in other areas The figure assumes that the higher Henry H. Shavitz was assessed a municipal civil enforcement of section could return to operation if the legis- impact fees will have no impact on $50 penalty for running a red light April 20-158. To hold otherwise would be to lature extends the Wake and Concord the amount of home construction, 4, 2001. Shavitz contested the penalty permit High Point to ‘circumvent the definition to other jurisdictions. which is far from certain. and eventually challenged the legality state constitution by setting up a local The Court of Appeals did, however, Higher impact fees tradi- of red- light cameras before Superior [penalty program] pursuant to state-del- find that the schools were not entitled to tionally have been transferred to Court Judge Moses Massey. egated authority, and thereby develop post-judgment interest. North Carolina homebuyers. Massey upheld the legality of the a new revenue stream, while depriving law generally provides that interest ac- “I wonder how many local cameras. He found a problem, however, the schools of funds directed to them by crues on judgments not stemming from families are going to be prevented with what the city was doing with the Article IX, Section 7 of the North Carolina a contract dispute. In general though, from buying a home because of money from the fines. Article IX, Section Constitution.’ Further, the fact that the laws only apply to the “sovereign,“ the what we’re doing today,” Council- 7, of the N.C. Constitution requires that violation results in a civil penalty rather state, including its political subdivi- man Philip Isley said in voting for “the clear proceeds of all penalties and than a fine for an infraction is irrelevant sion, when they specifically reference the fee increase. forfeitures and of all fines collected in if we are to observe the Supreme Court’s the sovereign. the several counties for any breach of admonition to consider ‘the nature of “We conclude that the same rule the penal laws of the state, shall belong the offense committed, and not… the that applies to general statutes of limita- Forsyth ponders debt to and remain in the several counties, method employed by the municipality tion should obtain in the case of general and shall be faithfully appropriated and to collect fines for commission of the interest statutes,” McCullough wrote. Like many growing North used exclusively for maintaining free offense.’” Carolina counties, Forsyth County “Thus, absent a legislative pro- public schools.” High Point also argued that the vision to the contrary, a municipality faces a long list of pricey capital Massey found that a red-light in- money it paid to Peek to operate the should not be ordered to pay interest needs. And as in many other lo- fraction was a violation of a penal law cameras and for appeal hearing officers pursuant to a general interest statute cales, a key question is how much of the state, and that Guilford County should be subtracted when calculating where the issue which has been litigated the county can afford to do, both schools were entitled to almost all of the the “clear proceeds” of the red-light involves a governmental function of the through pay as you go and through penalty money collected by High Point. program. The Court of Appeals did municipality. issuing bonds. The judge ruled that the city could not not agree. “In the present case, High Point “It’s just looking like it will be subtract what it paid Peek or hearing ap- The appeals court also did not was sued for enforcing state and munici- very difficult to meet the needs of peals officers when calculating the “clear accept High Point’s argument that the pal traffic laws and for its management the schools and do any of the other proceeds” due the school system. legislature had implicitly intended that of the proceeds collected for violations. things that we’re contemplating Because of the ruling, High Point operating and administrative hear- over the next 10 years or so” with- owed the school system several million ing officer costs should be subtracted These functions were governmental out taking on higher levels of debt, dollars. The city shut down its red-light because the laws governing red-light such that, under the foregoing analy- County Manager Graham Pervier cameras — each additional infraction cameras in Wake County and Concord sis, the general post-judgment interest said to The Winston-Salem Journal. issued effectively cost the city more consider these costs in determining provisions of section 24-5 of the General Currently, 11.4 percent of money — and challenged the Superior “clear proceeds”. Statutes did not apply to any judgment the county’s budget goes to debt Court’s ruling. “Further, the General Assembly’s against the City. ” service, a figure that is projected Before the Court of Appeals, High 2001 enactment concerning Concord and Decisions by the N.C. Court of to fall slightly over the next few Point argued that red-light camera pen- Wake makes it clear that the Legislature Appeals are binding interpretations of years. The county projects that fig- alties should not be covered by Article feels it has the authority to clarify the North Carolina law unless overruled by ure could rise to nearly 15 percent IX, Section 7. The appeals court did not meaning of clear proceeds in the context the N.C. Supreme Court. Because the by 2014, though, as more bonds accept the city’s reasoning. of red light camera programs. As the decision of the three-judge panel of the are issued. If a motorist failed to observe a red General Assembly has not made a new Court of Appeals was unanimous, the The debt alarms some local stoplight at an intersection at which High definition applicable to High Point, we high court does not have to hear the case officials. “I definitely don’t want Point had placed a red-light camera, the must conclude that the City is bound if High Point further appeals. to see the debt run away,” Debra motorist violated section 20-158(b)(2) by the definition of clear proceeds set The case is Shavitz v. City of High Conrad-Shrader, vice chairwoman of the General Statutes, Judge Douglas forth in section 115C-437 of the General Point, (05-571). of the county commissioners, said McCullough wrote for the court. Statutes.” http://www.aoc.state. to the newspaper. CJ “If High Point punishes that motor- The Court of Appeals did not ad- nc.us/www/public/coa/opin- ist by imposing the civil penalty estab- dress whether the means of calculating ions/2006/050571-1.htm CJ CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL Local Government 17
“Don’t Kelo My House!” Commentary Experts Debate Kelo Decision Public Money and Non-Profits By SUSANNE ROBINSON statutory authority to use eminent do- Contributing Editor main for general economic purposes, ity and county officials have levied by their elected bodies. If RALEIGH and the federal courts cannot provide a great deal to think about citizens don’t pay the taxes, local ow easily could the government it,” Hankins told the audience. He said during budget season. For governments have the power to take citizens’ private property North Carolina laws provide a clear and Cinstance, the complexity of their bud- seize citizens’ property to ensure in North Carolina? About 70 specific list of conditions under which gets involves state and federal fund- the taxes are paid. When local gov- Hpeople searching for an answer to that governments can seize property, and ing, grant matching, school systems, ernments fund nonprofits, they are question attended a John Locke Foun- general economic development is not special tax districts, unpredictable compelling citizens to pay for these dation and Federalist Society meeting, among them. Therefore, he argued, an actions by the state, and many law- organizations without the citizens’ “Don’t Kelo my House! Does N.C. Law amendment to the state constitution is enforcement issues. consent. Adequately Protect Property Rights?” unnecessary. Further, citizens receive The point here is that all of The longevity of the organi- Two experts on the state’s emi- “fair market value” for their land and, these are in some way zations lies in the fact nent-domain law tackled the question Hankins said, they can always chal- related to what local that citizens ultimately of whether the U.S. Supreme Court’s lenge the government’s actions through government should choose to support them controversial Kelo decision eroded prop- the legal system: “Our courts will look be doing. Inevitably, charitably, not forcibly. erty owners’ rights in North Carolina. out for the rights of private property however, nonprofits If the community begins N.C. League of Municipalities Executive owners.” and their support- to perceive that a given Director Ellis Han- H o w e v e r, ers find their ways group does receive kins squared off Hankins also pre- into the halls of local government funding, against Robert Orr, dicted that the government and are citizens become less executive director “I would submit that General Assembly given credibility as likely to donate to the of the N.C. Institute would produce [Kelo] is an enormous they request taxpayer nonprofits in the future. for Constitutional legislation in the money for their par- Why should citizens Law, on whether next session clari- watering down of the ticular cause. donate if they are going North Carolina fying aspects of Most of these to have to pay taxes to laws adequately constitutional protections North Carolina’s groups have worth- support them anyway? protect property urban-redevel- while causes and serve their respec- This can be damaging in the owners from gov- people have when the opment statute, tive communities well. Groups that long term. In my own county, a ernment “takings.” which permits government decides to deal with domestic violence, home- domestic-violence shelter will prob- They also debated property to be less shelters, food kitchens, histori- ably receive government funding whether North condemned if it take property.” cal societies, local theaters, arts pro- for the first time in 21 years. I think Carolina’s consti- is an area that is grams, and mentally handicapped this will hurt them in future fund- tution should be not blighted, but Robert Orr individuals are usually organized raising efforts. amended to pro- is likely to become Executive Director as 501c(3) nonprofit organizations. We should start to examine hibit local govern- so. NC Institute for Many of these groups are prolific government’s role in these issues. ments from seizing On the ques- Constitutional Law fund-raisers and grant finders. Sadly, this question is overlooked one individual’s tion of whether Over time their success is inevita- or ignored. These are all worthy private property North Carolina bly linked to their level of commu- causes, but that doesn’t mean that and giving it to another for economic law adequately protects property rights, nity activity and the responses they government should be funding development. After two hours of dis- Orr gave a resounding “no.” are able to generate. them. The framers of the Consti- cussion, many in the audience seemed “I would submit that [Kelo] is an But a growing number of tution never intended for local to find the debate as troubling as it was enormous watering down of the consti- these groups are seeking to supple- government to act as charities. If informative. tutional protections people have when ment their efforts by receiving local officials give to 501c(3) organiza- In the 2005 Kelo decision, the U.S. the government decides to take prop- taxpayer moneys. There are two tions, then they are choosing not Supreme Court said the government erty,” said Orr, former associate justice general statutes that take some of to give that amount to schools, law may transfer private property from of the N.C. Supreme Court. He cited this into account. G.S. 143 and G.S. enforcement, or any other neces- one person to another for purposes “troubling” aspects of the Kelo decision 160 cover many cultural arts pro- sary function of government. of economic development, even if the for North Carolinians. First, it changes grams that allow local government There are many reasons, most property in question is not blighted, so the standard of “public use” as articu- to fund community theater groups of which stem from the Constitu- long as the owner is justly compensated. lated in the 5th amendment to “public and other cultural arts programs. tion, why governments should Previously, the standard for government purpose” — a phrase that is not used in But that doesn’t make it right. not be in the charity business. We takings of private property under the the U.S. Constitution. The Kelo decision When local governments should strive to ensure that local U.S. Constitution’s Fifth Amendment also characterizes “economic develop- fund these worthwhile causes, government has only enough mon- had been mostly limited to situations ment” as being a public purpose, and several issues arise. First, if local ey to provide for its own services. If where land was taken for specific pub- Orr said this language is too broad and officials don’t fund them all, then it has the money to make donations lic uses, such as for new highways and could easily be abused by government the officials look discriminatory. to charitable enterprises, then it has bridges. According to some polls, 80 to authorities trying to promote a particular For instance, if a county were to overtaxed its people by at least that 90 percent of the public disapproves of economic development plan. fund a development center for the amount. Allowing people to keep the Kelo decision. “You can condemn anything that mentally ill but not a domestic-vio- more of their own money would “I don’t expect to change any is arguably for the public benefit…any- lence shelter, does that mean that enable them to donate of their own minds tonight, but I’m happy to be thing that ostensibly creates jobs or the domestic-violence issue is not free will. CJ here to provide another viewpoint,” ostensibly increases the tax base or as important? Each of these groups Hankins told a wary audience as he marginally benefits business,” Orr said. has quality-of-life importance to set out his reasons why North Carolina Any of these rationales could their respective communities. Local property owners should not view the become a justification for condemning government should not be pick- Chad Adams is vice chairman Kelo decision as a threat. Hankins argued someone’s private property, he said. ing and choosing which are more of the Lee County Board of Commis- that North Carolina’s eminent-domain Orr also criticized language in North worthy of taxpayer money. sioners, director of the Center for laws are much tighter, and the list of Carolina’s redevelopment statute that A second problem is one Local Innovation, and vice president justifications for takings more clearly permits governments to condemn of force. Local governments are for development for the John Locke established than in Connecticut, where property if there is a possibility or funded through taxes that are Foundation. the Kelo case originated. “Our North probability that an area might be- Carolina cities and counties have no come blighted. CJ June 2006 CAROLINA 18 Local Government JOURNAL
Local Innovation Bulletin Board From Cherokee to Currituck Poverty Hazardous to Health? Charlotte Floodplain Restrictions
hildren who live in areas of and apartments were damaged or Go Beyond Federal Requirements concentrated poverty con- destroyed when the city flooded. pecial local floodplain rules that sistently perform worse in Thomas’ plan? Impose rent controls go beyond federal requirements Cschool, have more health problems, on the rental houses and apart- are at the center of controversy and get in trouble with the law ments that remain, Reason magazine Sin one Charlotte neighborhood. The more often than children who grow reports. regulations, enacted six years ago and up with more-affluent neighbors. Why do rent controls fail? As enforced inconsistently since, require Adults in these poorer neighbor- any Economics 101 student, or any extensive modifications when house hoods have lower employment rates longtime resident of certain parts of are renovated. and worse health. To what extent are New York, could tell you, landlords In 2000, Charlotte and Mecklen- these outcomes attributable to living abandon their buildings when they burg County adopted “future conditions in disadvantaged neighborhoods? can no longer make enough money floodplain” regulations. About 1,200 The answer is critical to the design to repair them. homes in the county are affected, includ- particular, the system has been unable to of education, health, housing, and New Orleans is not immune ing parts of the Chantilly neighborhood get the county, which is facing a number other social policies aimed at assist- to this phenomenon. In November, just outside uptown Charlotte. Many of other pressing financial priorities, in- ing low-income families, the NBER rental unit owner Edward Young homeowners, in Chantilly and else- cluding school construction, to commit Digest reports. told National Public Radio that, with where, are not aware of the floodplain to the project. County commissioners Researchers collected data from controls, it would not make financial regulations. have been unwilling to raise taxes to the Moving to Opportunity demon- sense for him to spend the $40,000 to “There are homeowners that have fund bus service. stration, a randomized housing mo- $60,000 required to repair his build- been very active in the neighborhood “Obviously, it’s an intimidating bility experiment in which families ing. There would probably never that were absolutely floored by this,” number, but there is broad support to living in high-poverty, inner-city, be enough apartments available for resident Leslie Dwyer said to The Char- find a way to make it happen,” Mayor public-housing projects were offered people who need them, explained lotte Observer. Tony Chavonne said to The Fayetteville housing vouchers to help them move Young, who considered taking the Under the future conditions flood- Observer. to private housing units in lower- insurance money and abandoning plain rules, if a home is undergoing a That the issue has lingered on this his property. poverty neighborhoods. major renovation, its floor must also be long without a resolution has frustrated The researchers found that raised above the projected flood level. a number of local officials. neighborhoods do seem to have an The idea of the regulation is to keep “Either we are in or we’re out and influence on youth education, health, expensive renovations from being inun- be through with it,” said Billy King, and behavior, but that these effects The toughest customers dated by floodwater. Raising the floor is chairman of the Board of Commission- required in floodplains if a renovation ers. are complex. About 200,000 Americans will Girls fare significantly better would cost more than 50 percent of the sleep rough tonight. Many have done value of a house (land value excluded) after they move to more-affluent so for years. Yet there is a new way or if a house undergoes two renovations Creedmoor annexation on hold neighborhoods. In the experimental of thinking about homelessness, one of at least 25 percent of the value of the Creedmoor’s controversial plan to group, the girls showed improved that applies business logic, Fortune home within 10 years. annex the Butner area is on hold, pend- mental health, better educational says. In older neighborhoods with ing the outcome of a court challenge. outcomes, and reductions in risky Social scientists in the 1990s smaller houses, such as Chantilly, it Local residents who don’t want to be behaviors relative to the control began to document that the hard-core doesn’t take much to trigger the flood part of Creedmoor contend the annexa- group. homeless are not typical citizens. restrictions. One the neighborhood’s tion would not improve the quality of In contrast, boys appear either They are not even typical of homeless primary attractions is its location. Land services they would receive, and thus to be unaffected or to be affected people. They are a distinct market values often exceed the value of the violate a recent N.C. Supreme Court negatively by such moves. The boys segment. houses sitting on them. Some houses decision, The Herald-Sun of Durham in the experimental group expe- Life on the streets is not cheap. by themselves are valued at less than reports. rienced higher rates of substance Each homeless person costs the city of $40,000, meaning virtually any substan- Butner is a former military base use and suffered a large increase New York at least $40,000 a year in jail tive improvement could require a cost- that already has a special fire and police in nonsports injuries relative to the time, shelter costs, emergency-room prohibitive raising of floor level. protection district but is not an incorpo- control group. visits and hospital stays. In Dallas, Mecklenburg is the only county rated municipality. Creedmoor’s town Moves to lower-poverty neigh- researchers put the figure at $50,000; in the state to adopt future conditions council voted in February to annex the borhoods also appear to generate in San Diego, as much as $150,000. floodplain regulations. area, despite strong opposition from a nuanced pattern of effects on the The new paradigm is that by many in Butner. adults in the demonstration. Taken focusing on the chronic homeless, Fayetteville transit funding Several Butner residents and busi- together, these findings suggest that cities can get people off the streets and nesses have filed a lawsuit challenging health concerns might need to return spend no more and maybe less than The Fayetteville City Council and the proposed annexation, which they to the more prominent place in hous- they do by letting them stay there, the Cumberland County Commission label as a “ill-advised, ill-handed and ing policy discussions that they held Fortune says. It seems to work. have formed a committee to study ways illegal ‘land grab.’” They contend that 60 years ago — with a new emphasis Pathways to Housing, a non- of paying for expansion of the Fayette- they would receive lower-quality ser- on the importance of mental health, profit, has placed about 400 chroni- ville Area System of Transit. Whether the vices than they currently enjoy. the researchers said. cally homeless, mentally ill New initiative succeeds where other efforts Sen. Doug Berger, D-Franklin, Yorkers in rentals and reports a suc- have failed remains to be seen. meanwhile, had said he will introduce cess rate of 88 percent (defined as not Two options have been presented legislation during the short session, returning to the streets for five years), for increasing transit service beyond which began in May, to prevent Creed- Breaking Rent Fayetteville, one costing $14.1 million at a cost of about $22,000 a year per moor from annexing Butner. per year, the other just under $11 million New Orleans City Council person. The Granville County Commis- per year. Fayetteville subsidizes FAST President Oliver Thomas appar- ValueOptions, a managed-care sion opposes the proposed annexation. with about $4.8 million per year. ently wants to finish the job begun provider, reports a 92 percent suc- Members of the Granville Economic De- FAST proposed the expanded by Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans, cess rate with a similar population velopment Commission have said they service two years ago. The stumbling not surprisingly, is short of places to in Phoenix, also using private hous- are concerned about additional taxes that block has been finding the extra money put people. Nearly 142,000 houses ing. CJ businesses would have to pay because need to pay for an enlarged system. In of the annexation. CJ CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL Local Government 19 Counties That Need Medicaid Most Can Least Afford it By MIKE ROUSE — rising 10 per- the county budget rose. Contributing Editor cent a year and behind schools, In urban counties where there are RALEIGH more in some according to bud- more jobs and a smaller ratio of people n a stone house on the edge of the counties. get Director Judy eligible for Medicaid, the burden is mountain town of Robbinsville, C o u n t y Ikard. lighter. Juanita Colvard is trying to do some- commissioners Ikard looks at As an example, Lamb points to Ithing that is almost impossible — balance have no choice Catawba County’s Wake County. Its Medicaid cost is $25 the Graham County budget. but to pay it out dilemma this way: million a year, but that comes from Colvard, Graham County tran- of the county Medicaid’s drain an $800 million budget. Wake County sit director and Social Services board budgets, even on the county bud- would have to pay $120 million in chairman, is taking the place of County though they get is increasing Medicaid for its share to have the same Manager Jeff Cabe, who is ill. have no control year by year 14 proportionate effect on the county bud- Graham is among the poorest of over the cost. times faster than get that Bertie’s does. North Carolina’s counties. Less than a The costs con- the county’s tax Lamb said he has heard the system third of its land is subject to the county’s trol them, rather base is increasing. defended on the basis that poor coun- property tax because the rest is national than the other It adds about ties with big Medicaid expenses benefit forest or Cherokee Indian reservation, way around. six cents per $100 economically from the program because or is owned by the Tennessee Valley S e v e r a l valuation to the it gets money circulating in the county. Authority. bills have been Cumberland County Commissioner J. Breeden county’s ad val- But, he said, residents of rural And more than one-fourth of its introduced in Blackwell, left, past president of the NCACC, orum tax rate. counties usually incur their biggest people are so poor that they qualify the General As- speaks to Sen. Stan Bingham at County As- Medicaid eats up medical expenses at hospitals in urban for Medicaid. That cuts painfully into sembly to abol- sembly Day. (Submitted photo) 17 percent of the areas. So the little counties pay the bills the county’s budget because counties ish or reduce county’s property while any economic advantage goes to must pay a share of the medical bills of the counties’ shares, but they have tax revenue. the big counties. Medicaid recipients. progressed no further than commit- Bertie County is in the flat plain of Because the legislature is filled That is one of the ironies of North tee approval. In mid-May, the North the northeast, at the opposite end of the with representatives from the popula- Carolina’s method of financing the Med- Carolina Association of County Com- state from Graham, but it and Graham tion centers, he said, many lawmakers do icaid program: The counties that need it missioners rallied county officials from have much in common: Bertie, too, is not grasp the gravity of the problem. most because of poverty can least afford across the state to Raleigh to lobby for isolated, rural, and poor. And in the He fears that if there is no relief to pay for it. But they have to. their cause. county seat of Windsor, County Manager this year, when the legislature has a $2.4 It is, according to the other 49 states, About 300 went, according to Todd Zee Lamb is struggling. billion budget surplus, a solution will be an antiquated and unfair system. All of McGee, spokesman for the association, Lamb is drafting a budget that will a long time coming. the 49 have abandoned it. and virtually every legislator was talked set aside $2.6 million for Medicaid in a A county as poor as Graham cannot It works like this: to that day. total budget of $17 million. Medicaid afford a person for each job. Colvard’s The federal government requires Kitty Barnes, president of the com- will cost his county more than it pays office is in an old private home leased states to have Medicaid programs to missioners’ association, said the turnout to run its schools in its current-expense by the county for office space. provide medical care to the poor. The of commissioners “shows how desperate budget for education. If there could be some relief from feds pay 65 percent of the cost. States the situation is” for the counties. Lamb, an old Raleigh hand who Medicaid, she said, the county would are required to pay the other 35 percent. Barnes is the chairman of the used to be the general counsel for the spend more on education and prob- Many states used to make the counties Catawba County Board of Commission- state Board of Elections, said he un- ably would build a decent building for pay a fixed share of the state’s portion. ers. Her county has seen its Medicaid derstands how a system that once was its emergency services, which are now Now only North Carolina does, and the payments double from the year 2000 acceptable has become impossible. The housed in a mobile home. And maybe share is 15 percent. to the upcoming fiscal year, when they original intent was not to discriminate the Health Department could be fixed As medical costs have increased, are projected to cost $7.5 million. They against poor counties, he said, but that up with a restroom that would accom- the burden has become more onerous will be the second biggest single item in has become the effect as medical costs modate wheelchairs. CJ
Purchase Your Copy Today! North Carolina’s Most-Watched Political Talk Show Appears on Television Stations Across the State BuT WhAT If You MISS IT? Now NC SPIN – featuring Carolina Journal’s John hood, host Tom Campbell, and commentators from across the political spectrum – is now rebroadcast weekly on many Here’s Where I Stand fine radio stations across North Carolina: Asheville WZNN AM 1350 Sundays 9:30 AM by Senator Jesse Helms Durham WDNC AM 620 Sundays 8:00 AM Gastonia/Charlotte WZRH AM 960 Saturdays 1:00 PM Goldsboro WGBR AM 1150 Sundays 4:00 PM Greenville WNCT AM 1070 Wednesdays 6:30 PM Kings Mountain WKMT AM 1220 Saturdays 8:30 AM Available at your local Laurinburg WLLC AM 1300 Sundays 10:00 AM Monroe/Charlotte WXNC AM 1060 Sundays 7:30 AM bookstore Outer Banks WYND FM 97.1 Sundays 8:00 AM or visit Raleigh WDNZ AM 570 Sundays 7:00 AM 9:00 AM www.jessehelms.com Rocky Mount WEED AM 1390 Mondays 9:30 AM Salisbury WSTP AM 1490 Saturdays 11:00 AM Smithfield WMPM AM 1270 Sundays 5:00 PM Wilmington WAAV AM 980 Saturdays 12:30 PM Visit www.jessehelms.com More stations are joining the network soon. Visit www.NCSPIN.com for updates. June 2006 CAROLINA 20 The Learning Curve JOURNAL
From the Liberty Library Movie Review
• The suicide bombings car- ‘United 93’: Not Entertainment, But History ried out in London in 2005 by British Muslims revealed an enormous fifth By HAL YOUNG This style gives a sense of im- column of Islamist terrorists and Contributing Editor mediacy to the film, but it also keeps a their sympathizers. Under the noses RALEIGH certain distance between the characters of British intelligence, London has on’t look for a soundtrack album onscreen and the audience. Few people become the European hub for the from the movie “United 93.” are introduced by name, though it ap- promotion, recruitment, and financ- The score by John Powell is pears every passenger is cast and repre- ing of Islamic terror and extremism Dlittle more than long minor chords, like sented in the film, and the only moments — so much so that it has been mock- Barber’s “Adagio” but not as melodic. of viewer omniscience are the opening ingly dubbed “Londonistan.” In The subtle touch of it is a soft, whistling passages of Arabic, which apparently her recently released book, Melanie overtone, like the atonal whine of jet take place in the lead hijacker’s head. Phillips pieces together the story of engines idling outside the passenger Even that moment of closeness only how “Londonistan” developed as a cabin. This is, after all, a movie about emphasizes his sense of being alien. result of the collapse of traditional jets and passengers. It’s also a portrayal Although we see the nerves, indecision, English identity and accommoda- of distinctly American character and an and other signs of humanness the ter- tion of a particularly virulent form important historical document. rorists display, they are never portrayed of multiculturalism. “Londonistan” “United 93” covers the morning of in a positive light. has become a country within the Sept. 11 in two hours, as close to real-time There are moments of shocking country and not only threatens pacing as you’ll find in the movies. The violence, but like news footage, the Britain but its “special relationship” opening sequence interweaves scenes images are sketchy. Several people are with the United States. Learn more of the hijackers preparing to leave their stabbed or slashed during the takeover, at www. encounterbooks.com. motel room with aerial shots of American but there are no lingering sequences of cities at daybreak. Over the images of picturesque carnage. Like coverage of • From the first Arab-Islamic taxis, office buildings, and waterfronts, a Middle Eastern car bombing, there Empire of the mid-seventh century is a droning chant in Arabic, like a voice are glimpses of blood-soaked clothing to the Ottomans, the last great Mus- inside your head. There is no transla- and groaning or lifeless victims, but few lim empire, the story of the Middle tion, pointing out that a foreign mind If the greatest art is to focused views of what just happened. East has been the story of the rise is brooding over America this particular Instead, there are the splatter of gore on and fall of universal empires and, morning. conceal art, director Paul the cockpit controls, the EMT passenger no less important, of imperialist As the hijackers blend in with the Greengrass approaches with a victim’s blood on her shirt, and dreams. So argues Efraim Karsh flow of bleary, poorly shaven travelers a hijacker’s red-stained hands, lifted in in Islamic Imperialism: A History. at the Newark airport, the director uses greatness. ...This is liter- ritual prayer. Rejecting the conventional Western handheld cameras to create a first-person ally the scene behind the interpretation of Middle Eastern his- observer that accompanies the terrorists, A different significance tory as an offshoot of global power then the unidentified passengers, then politics, Karsh contends that the the aircraft’s crew. scenes of the biggest Reviewers have suggested differ- region’s experience is the culmina- Moviegoers overhear snatches of event in recent history, ent interpretations of the film’s message. tion of long-existing indigenous conversation and catch someone’s eye The closing titles suggest that the direc- trends, passions, and patterns of briefly, as crowds that pass in front of the a replay by the ones tor wanted to highlight failings of our behavior, and that foremost among camera and interrupt the line of sight. command-and-control systems. They these is Islam’s millenarian imperial It is natural, and without knowing their who were there and who point out that the military learned of tradition. Available at yalepress. names, the viewer is invited to become made the decisions. UA93’s hijacking only four minutes after yale.edu. one of the people we know will die it hit the ground, it took more than three before lunchtime. hours for the FAA to ground the planes • TV’s “20/20” investigative The body of the film flows in three in the air, and the president gave the reporter John Stossel tackles com- story lines, centering on the plane, the an officer, “I’ve got a hijacking on the shoot-down authorization only after all mon myths in his characteristic FAA, and the military. Ben Sliney, direc- phone from Boston.” “Sim?” they ask. four hijacked planes had crashed. style in Myths, Lies, and Downright tor of the National Air Traffic Control They also look for a 7500 — which never Yet any military person knows Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel — Why Center, plays himself in the film and appears. that the fog of war is real, that a battle Everything You Know Is Wrong, and gives a convincing re-enactment of his Throughout the morning, there plan is only good until the outbreak of challenges us to look at life differ- reactions through the morning. Key is a constant refrain of “Where is …?” hostilities, and that’s why soldiers are ently. Myths and misconceptions military personnel and civilian air traf- The FAA can’t find its military liaison at trained to respond to changing situations covered include: Is the media un- fic controllers also reprise their roles the National Center, the military can’t and incomplete information. biased? Are our schools helping from the day. get clearance to put its interceptors into Both the FAA and NORAD at- or hurting our kids? Do singles The first realization of trouble is the civil air lanes, and no one can find tempted to coordinate with the other have a better sex life than married when contact is lost with American Air- President Bush, who has to make the agency, but took action in the areas they people? Do we have less free time lines Flight 11; the controller handling call for authority to shoot down a civil- could without waiting for an answer or than we used to? Is outsourcing bad the plane hears “a suspicious transmis- ian airliner. consensus. The civilians on United Air- for American workers? Is suburban sion” from the cockpit, then silence. lines 93 did much the same thing. sprawl ruining America? Is the “How do you know it’s a hijack?” Though it will never be a “popular” world too crowded? Are we drown- his supervisor challenges. “Trust me,” A style that submerges “style” film, “United 93” is an important one ing in garbage? Is profiteering evil? he says. “I heard it in my ear.” Yet the If the greatest art is to conceal art, as a contemporary documentary work. Do sweatshops exploit people? Stos- plane doesn’t immediately change director Paul Greengrass approaches Relying heavily on key players in the sel takes on these and many more course, and the aircraft’s “friend-or-foe” greatness. The predominant style is day’s events, the film recreates the action misconceptions, misunderstand- transponder never rolls over to “squawk frankly journalistic; there is extensive in places where news cameras didn’t ings, and “plain old stupidity” in 7500” — the pilot’s surreptitious code for use of handheld cameras, available light- go. This is literally the scene behind this collection that will offer much to a takeover. Controllers debate whether ing, and awkward camera placement. the scenes of the biggest event in recent love for “Give Me a Break” fans, and the radio message was a crank or an At moments of action, people become a history, a replay by the ones who were show everyone why conventional emergency as the situation develops. blur of motion, and cameras swing and there and who made the decisions. wisdom — economic, political, or The military asks the same ques- tilt. Where there is staging for effect, it “United 93” is unlikely to be social — is often wrong. More info tion, as the weapons controllers at is low key. Even Todd Beamer’s famous featured in video collections at home. at www.hyperionbooks. com. CJ NORAD are starting an air defense line, “Let’s roll!” is nearly inaudible, not It should be on the shelf of every li- exercise. A sergeant looks up and tells showcased. brary, though. CJ CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL The Learning Curve 21 Piedmont Backcountry’s Religious Fervor Contributed to Freedom
orth Carolinians do not think of Piedmont. With a zeal equaling that the service during Prayer, whispering nonconformists (by and large) united the present-day and economi- of any dissenter, Woodmason traveled during the sermon, and not controlling them against the Anglican Church and cally thriving Piedmont as an about 6,000 miles across the province of unruly children. Such rudeness might the landed gentry and merchants of the Nignorant backcountry that undermines North Carolina and exhausted himself be considered acceptable worship in a East. When ordinary folk believed they social order. But in the eastern part of the warning about the dangers of new sects private house, the Anglican pointed out, could discern moral truth and criticize Province of North Carolina during the and religious enthusiasm. but to act in such a way in the House of religious authority, they were soon em- Pre-Revolution- The informal and emotional God was unacceptable and something boldened to protest abuses of power and ary Period (1750- services of the Piedmont frontier par- other than “Divine Worship.” demand the restoration of justice and 1775) many be- ticularly shocked Woodmason, who Woodmason also had difficulty un- proper government. lieved it was believed unorthodox practices created derstanding how conflicting and splin- The religious fervor of the Pied- exactly that. social anarchy and doctrinal confusion. tering denominations could unite when mont backcountry contributed greatly A pre-Rev- As local churches increasingly dotted needed. Protestant infighting seems to to the Regulator rebellions of North olutionary plant- the landscape, historian Marjoleine support Woodmason’s arguments that Carolina, when farmers protested illegal er and merchant Kars writes, Woodmason feared a con- backcountry religion produced chaos. taxation and seizure of their property, from Charleston, tinuous “redefinition of sacred space”: Concerning the actions of evangelicals, and provided fertile ground for the bud- S.C., who later “No Pews, Font, Communion Table, or he remarked: “[They] Divide and Sub ding language of American liberty and turned Anglican Dr. Troy any thing resembling a Place of Wor- divide, Split into Parties — Rail at and spirit of American independence. itinerant, Charles Kickler ship saving this Pulpit,” the disdainful Excommunicate one another — Turn out For more information see Richard Woodmason, be- Anglican recorded, “so that it may of Meeting, and receive into another.” J. Hooker, ed., The Carolina Backcountry came one of the loudest critics of the serve either for a Conventicle, Chapel, However, the isolation of the mid-1700s on the Eve of Revolution: The Journal and backcountry. He strongly criticized Dancing Room, Hall of Justice, Barn, Piedmont fostered ecumenical services. Other Writings of Charles Woodmason, New Lights and lamented that they had or any Thing.” During his tour of duty Woodmason no doubt recorded what Anglican Itinerant (Chapel Hill, 1953); “infested” North Carolina (New Lights throughout the heathen countryside of Baptist minister John Gano witnessed on Marjoleine Kars, Breaking Loose Together: believed that Christians should exhibit the Piedmont, Woodmason observed the banks of the Yadkin and Uwharrie The Regulator Rebellion in Pre-Revolution- an emotional and personal worship unceremonious worship: “[They cannot] Rivers, where Dunkards, Baptists, Quak- ary North Carolina (Chapel Hill, 2003); and that church government should be sit still during Service — but they will ers, and Moravians met to worship. The William S. Powell, et. al. eds., Regulators a form of congregationalism; example be in and out — forward and backward traveling Baptist concluded that those in North Carolina: A Documentary History, denominations included Baptists and the whole time (Women especially) as in the Piedmont were a “unique species 1759-1776 (Raleigh, 1971). CJ Moravians). Woodmason regrettably Bees to and fro to their Hives.” The of people,” of whom “appear to me like observed that “enthusiasts” (a label Anglican also wasted no opportunity Aesop’s crow which inflated itself with for those believing an indwelling Holy to scold unrefined frontiersmen. In one other birds’ feathers.” Spirit encouraged them to defy orga- sermon, the former merchant rebuked A shared cultural and frontier Dr. Troy Kickler is director of the North nized religion) occupied the hills of the worshippers for spitting tobacco, leaving heritage among Piedmont religious Carolina History Project.
headliner series Winning the future former u.s. house speaker Newt giNgrich
NooN, Thursday, JuNe 29 The WesTiN CharloTTe $35 per persoN (luNCh iNCluded)
newt GinGrich has been described as both brilliant and PolarizinG. as the author of the “contract with america,” he is credited with leadinG the rePublican Party to victory in 1994 and caPturinG control of the u.s. house of rePresenta- tives for the first time in 40 years.
GinGrich is now a Political contributor for the foX news channel, a Prolific author, and chairman of the GinGrich GrouP.
(Phone 919-828-3876 for ticket information) June 2006 CAROLINA 22 The Learning Curve JOURNAL
Short Takes on Culture Book Review ‘Smoking’ Quirky and Gritty Enviro Insider Does a Turnaround • David Schoenbrod : Saving Our Envi- • “Thank You for Smoking” fairly. Everyone on this show is a ronment from Washington; Yale University FOX Searchlight Pictures low-country native. But there is no Press; 2005; 320 pp; $28 Directed by Jason Reitman effort to depict them as other than normal people who happen to have By JANE S. SHAW hank You For Smoking,” accents and who live and work in Guest Contributor follows the intrigues of Big the South. BOZEMAN, Mont. Tobacco’s chief spokesman, — JON HAM n recent years, several environmen- TNick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), who tal activists have revealed dramatic lobbies on behalf of cigarettes while changes in their views about en- trying to remain a role model for his ‘Earl’ a funny lottery winner Ivironmental issues. Patrick Moore, a 12-year-old son. As the challenger in founder of Greenpeace, confronted hos- modern society’s War on Vice, Nay- • “My Name is Earl” tile ships and governments as he sailed lor proves a hilarious, and effective, NBC the seas in the Rainbow Warrior, but spokesman. Thursdays at 9 p.m. today he charges his former colleagues In this film, based on Chris Buck- with “ever-increasing extremism.” ley’s novel by the same name, director After being introduced to “My Bjorn Lomborg, a college instructor Jason Reitman tackles Capitol Hill, Name is Earl” by my teenage brother, and Greenpeace member, once assumed Hollywood, corporate America, and I thought these characters could be that apocalyptic environmental predic- the media — an ambitious task for his people in North Carolina, or at least tions were correct, but after he studied debut movie. Surviving the onslaught some in my family. Earl (Jason Lee) the facts he concluded that “things are are the ideas of personal responsibil- has had a rough life; his wife Joy getting better.” ity, morality, and individual freedom. (Jaime Pressly) divorces him; he gets Now David Schoenbrod, formerly Says Reitman, “I consider myself a run over by a car; and he seems to be a lawyer with the litigious environmen- fairly libertarian person, someone looking for that break to get ahead. tal group Natural Resources Defense mixture. Some engrossing chapters who doesn’t like being told what to With all of Earl’s downfalls he wins Council, explains how his ideas about recount the situations that led him to do. The idea that Nick Naylor stood the lottery and wants to correct all environmental regulation depart from become less elitist and more realistic. not for cigarettes but for the right to his wrongs in his past. With the help what they were when he was (in his Other chapters are more abstract or smoke made sense to me, even though of his absent-minded brother Randy words) a “proper liberal” and moved technical, sometimes discussing a par- I’m not a smoker.” (Ethan Suplee), Darnell the Crab Man in “elite environmental circles.” ticular environmental issue such as the Despite his philosophical lean- (Eddie Steeples), and Catalina (Na- Schoenbrod’s metamorphosis has dangers of pesticides, and sometimes ings, Reitman keeps his message un- dine Velazquez), Earl corrects all his been going on for about a quarter of a discussing constitutional history. Some derstated. And because “Thank You wrongs one show at a time. At first century. As an environmental litigator are downright “wonkish.” for Smoking” pokes fun at everyone, glance you may think NBC is putting with NRDC, his goal was to pressure On the personal side, we learn that viewers on both sides of the political down “white trash,” but the show is the Environmental Protection Agency buying an abandoned farm in upstate aisle will enjoy this quirky, gritty funny. And the moral to the story is to force polluters to clean up. Today, New York in the mid-1970s caused him look at power politics and morality that is no matter what obstacles you he takes a different view, which can be to rethink environmentalism. His neigh- in America. have in life you can still help those you summed up with two statements. One is bor, a logger, appreciated the forests — JENNA ASHLEY hurt in the past. At least that is what that pollution control should be a state around them and knew a lot more about ROBINSON Earl Hickey is trying to do. and local, rather than national, issue. The the forest than most of Schoenbrod’s — MICHAEL MOORE second is that legislative bodies (such as colleagues. “In the elite environmental Congress) should make the rules and circles I came from, it was never assumed Southern-based house ‘Flip’ regulations about pollution, rather than that loggers could look at a forest and Phoenix walks fine ‘Line’ leave them up to bureaucratic agencies see anything but a commodity,” writes • “Flip This House” such as the EPA. Schoenbrod. A&E Network • “Walk the Line” First, Schoenbrod sees the issue He joined NRDC because of Weekly, at multiple various times Fox Home Video as a constitutional one. He argues that humanitarian concerns. He was a com- Directed by James Mangold Congress should regulate only interstate munity development worker in the “Flip This House” is what might pollution, and he points out that most poverty-ridden Bedford-Stuyvesant be called a reality realty show. It cen- I have a bit of a prejudice against pollution is local. Where national rules area of Brooklyn and saw environmental ters on the exploits of Richard C. Davis biopics. They usually run way too long are appropriate, he argues that Congress, cleanup as a way of improving the sur- and his business, Trademark Proper- and often rush awkwardly through not the EPA, should be making them. Yet roundings. When Schoenbrod became ties, in Charleston, S.C. This Clemson the last years of the subject’s life. But EPA’s reams of regulations developed convinced that lead from gasoline was grad specializes in buying homes, my fears and prejudices were put to outside the legislative process amount pushing up lead levels in the blood of fixing them up in a short amount rest as I watched “Walk the Line.” to laws. “When I became an environ- poor children in New York City, he tried of time, and selling them for a tidy The plotline moves along quickly, mental advocate,” he writes, “I regarded to get the lead out of gasoline. The dif- profit. The cast of characters is among detailing Cash’s pursuit of June questions about the constitutionality of ficulty of the task (it was not actually the most likeable on any reality TV. Carter while simultaneously battling the EPA’s power as the last refuge of accomplished until the mid-1980s) led From the macho Kevin who honchos drug addiction. It also brilliantly cap- polluters, and I litigated accordingly…. him to rethink environmental advocacy the construction crews, to the delight- tures the spirit of the country music Experience has since taught me that as a profession. fully scatterbrained Ginger who finds barnstorming tours of the 1950s. The those constitutional ideals are the safest Schoenbrod has put together most of the homes to renovate, to the movie has two climaxes — Cash’s road to the public interest, including the his thoughts and his background in lovable Dawn who cracks the whip to performance at Folsom Prison and his public’s deeply felt interest in a clean a readable, although uneven, book. keep people inside the budget, these onstage proposal to Carter — but you earth.” We can learn a lot from him on the are people you would like to get to never think it’s running too long. And Although this book is Schoenbrod’s demerits of our current environ- know. There is also a conservative though I couldn’t get over the feeling third in dealing with the role of govern- mental regulation policies. CJ sensibility to the show in that these that I was looking at Joaquin Phoenix ment, it is the first in which he shares people believe in market forces and instead of Johnny Cash, Phoenix’s act- his personal experiences as his ideas hard work. ing is brilliant as he portrays a truly changed. He writes in a conversational Jane S. Shaw ([email protected]) is a This show does what is rare in talented and tortured soul. way to make the book appealing to the senior fellow of PERC, the Property and television: It portrays Southerners — SAM HIEB CJ nonspecialist. Environment Research Center in Bozeman, The result is something of an odd Montana. CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL The Learning Curve 23 Paying With Plastic: A Book to Give Statists Pause • David S. Evans and Richard Schmalens- ee: Paying with Plastic: The Digital Revolu- tion in Buying and Borrowing, 2nd edition; Few people who use credit cards today know the MIT Press; 2005; 367 pp; $62 hardcover, $24.95 paperback massive amount of voluntary cooperation that was required to bring them into existence and By J. H. HUEBERT Guest Contributor make our everyday card purchases possible. CLEVELAND, Ohio he market has an amazing ability to induce voluntary cooperation among millions of people around Inventing the cards was one thing, reasons to harass businesses that have Tthe globe to provide goods and services but it’s another free-market miracle that done nothing more than voluntarily co- we tend to take for granted. Leonard anyone uses them. After all, when Visa operate with consumers and each other. Read showed this by telling the story and MasterCard were created, no con- The authors do a fine job of explaining of a simple lead pencil. In Paying with sumers had a card, and no businesses the economics of those and other govern- Plastic, the authors relate the similarly accepted them. The banks had to figure ment interventions and how they harm impressive story of the credit card. out how to make consumers want a consumers. Today, of course, you can use credit card no one accepted, and how to Unfortunately, the authors fail your credit card almost anywhere, to make businesses accept credit cards no to note that banks themselves are not buy anything. But not long ago, credit one carried. Paying with Plastic explains without fault — they benefit from gov- cards were unheard of. If you wanted how they did it. ernment intervention that allows them to to borrow money, you went to the bank And you might have noticed that inflate the money supply, and effectively and took out a loan. Or you might have when a merchant swipes your credit steal from all of us. The book’s brief his- had a charge account at a store you them. As the authors note, the member card, he does so through the same ter- tory of money and banking also treats frequented, but your bill had to be paid banks remain competitors in all facets minal, regardless of what type of card the abandonment of the gold standard off each month. Early charge cards from of their business, even the credit-card it is. How can one little machine not too lightly. Diner’s Club and American Express, issuing business, but nonetheless co- only handle different card brands, but Despite these shortcomings, which arrived in the 1950s, worked the operate at the card-system level to set also move money between the various the book focuses on those aspects of same way, requiring full payment each standards and allow consumers to use banks involved, all in about two sec- the credit-card business produced by month, and were narrowly targeted at the same cards across the country, and onds? Again, the book provides an easily peaceful cooperation. It shows how the business travelers. around the world, regardless of whom understood explanation. Although the market, not government, coordinates hu- Credit cards as we know them they bank with. authors don’t consider this implication, man action on a grand scale to advance didn’t exist until the late 1960s, when This should give pause to statists their discussion of this issue made me human welfare. banks across the country joined together who insist we need antitrust laws to think about how the use of free-market Accordingly, I recommend Paying to form the organizations we now know prevent businesses from collaborating money (e.g., gold) would be easier than with Plastic not only to those who want as MasterCard and Visa. Few people with each other. Even Adam Smith wrote ever given modern technology. to know more about credit cards—given who use credit cards today know the that “[p]eople of the same trade seldom If the book’s story has a villain, it is their ubiquitous role in our lives, you massive amount of voluntary coopera- meet together, even for merriment and government. Many states, for example, should learn about them—but also to tion that was required to bring them into diversion, but the conversation ends in a have obstructed the growth of credit anyone seeking a detailed example existence and make our everyday card conspiracy against the public or in some cards through usury laws — that is, of the great things the free market purchases possible. contrivance to raise prices. . . .” But here they have imposed price controls. Banks can achieve. CJ Consider, for example, that Master- we have banks “conspiring” in a way escaped this problem by moving their Card and Visa are joint ventures, owned that unquestionably benefits consum- offices to friendlier states, such as South J. H. Huebert is a graduate of the Uni- by all the banks that issue those cards or ers, by maximizing both convenience Dakota. And, of course, federal antitrust versity of Chicago Law School who is now offer accounts to merchants who accept and competition. authorities are always looking for new in legal practice in Cleveland, Ohio. June 2006 CAROLINA 24 Opinion JOURNAL
Commentary Cracks in the Crackdown
t’s no use. Give it up. No matter smugglers to sneak them into the how much the federal govern- United States. ment tries to install security on This appears not to be a good IAmerica’s (Southwestern) border, thing in the sight of The Post, as it’s a waste of time, money, and more than 2,500 have died trying to resources. enter through the desert during the At least that’s what The Wash- last 10 years. And in the desolate ington Post would have us believe area near Yuma last year, Border after a report from Yuma, Ariz., Patrol agents captured almost recently. Reporter John 139,000 illegals, with Pomfret based his the trend running even story largely upon the higher this year. experiences of harried “We have people Border Patrol agent crossing the desert Chris Van Wagenen, dying like flies,” said who chases elusive Robin Hoover, president would-be illegals that of Humane Borders, a defiantly taunt from charity that places water Editorial the Mexico side, “I’ll stations in the desert for be back.” Paul “wayward” immigrants. Chesser Van Wagenen’s “They are forcing people Maybe It’s Time For Term Limits response? “Of that, I’m down death trails.” sure. If it’s a fence, a sensor, a cam- You’d think the Latinos were hrow the bums out!” districts will feature only nominal com- era, they’ll find a way to defeat it.” trying to escape Iraq or Darfur. That’s the popular rallying petition — as gerrymandered districts The Post paints a hopeless pic- Because a sovereign nation (ours) cry when North Carolinians learn give Democrats or Republicans over- ture, saying “the signs of the unin- shuts down our porous boundary Tabout the ethical lapses and scandals whelming advantages in November. tended consequences of a decade’s from the threat posed by illegal that plague state government. The situation is not much better in worth of efforts to crack down on outsiders, forcing the invaders into Through our votes, we decide who the House, where Democrats hold a 63- illegal crossings of the 2,000-mile a less-desirable entry point, we’re controls North Carolina’s purse strings, 57 edge. About 50 House districts have border are clear.” suddenly marching them down the who draws the state’s election maps, and no contested election in November. Just According to The Post, this Trail of Tears? who adds pages to our state’s bloated a handful of the other 70 districts will futile “crack-down” began with While the desert and the law books. have competitive races. the Clinton administration in 1993, expensive smugglers (“coyotes”) So we should look forward to In almost every case, the incum- when the Border Patrol focused on are unappealing to the prospec- November — when we’ll have a chance bent has a huge election advantage blockades at those popular urban tive immigrants, they ought to be to send those “bums” a message. All — whether he or she is a Democrat or a crossings. In conjunction with considered friends to the cause of 170 seats in the General Assembly are Republican. Not only does an incumbent Operation Gatekeeper, formidable American immigration and secu- up for grabs. If we don’t like the way enjoy name recognition. If legislative fencing was built from the Pacific rity policy, because they are deter- things work in Raleigh, we can make leaders like the incumbent, they’ve Ocean for a 14-mile stretch along rents. Everybody I know is sensible a change. drawn an election district that favors his the Mexican border, where alien enough to realize that if you try to Or can we? or her re-election. So how can we throw apprehensions were 100,000 a year. walk many miles through the des- We’ll surely see some lawmakers the bums out? Now that estimated number is ert without proper resources, you booted from office. The next General We could adopt an idea that’s al- 5,000 annually. will die. That’s a good incentive for Assembly will welcome some new faces. ready used in 15 other states: term limits. But don’t bother The Post staying put, a thought that prob- But that doesn’t mean the power struc- From Maine to California, voters have with direct results — they’ve got ably didn’t occur to Ms. Hoover or ture will change on Jones Street. decided that good government requires a the macro-picture in mind, as The Post. Take a look at the state’s election frequent changing of the guard. Among “Gatekeeper and the other ef- If you think about it, the maps, and you’ll see that many legisla- Southern states, Florida and Louisiana forts (you know, the 14-mile long desert and the costly coyotes are tive races are already settled. have set limits. The terms range from ‘crack-down?’) did nothing to stem no more off-putting than Border Let’s start with the Senate. Demo- six to 12 years. the tide of illegal entries to the Agents with rifles. Should we dis- crats outnumber Republicans, 29-21. The length of the limit matters less United States.” That’s because the arm them too? Democratic predominance is nothing than the concept: No lawmaker should overall annual numbers of border But a good barrier still works new. Democrats have enjoyed an unin- stick around long enough to collect too captures, as well as estimates of better than the dehydrating desert, terrupted run as the dominant Senate much power. We’ve seen the danger of illegals who got through, remained as the current evidence shows. party since Reconstruction. consolidated power in both the House unchanged between 1993 and 2005. Hence we have the Senate’s ap- With a Democrat holding the and the Senate. Unbelievable given that the num- proval of an additional 370 miles lieutenant governor’s gavel as Senate If the old saying is true that power ber of Border Patrol agents tripled of border fencing, along with president, Republicans need to take five corrupts and absolute power corrupts to more than 11,000 during that President Bush’s plan to send 6,000 seats away from the Democrats this fall absolutely, then the solution involves time, right? National Guard troops to help the to win Senate control. That would be a limiting power. It’s time for state law- But there’s an explanation. beleaguered Border Patrol. tough task — even if all 50 seats were makers to consider term limits — before Those aliens who once passed over If the feeble efforts of the last really in play. even more of them become “bums” who near metro areas have transferred 15 years represented a crackdown, Take a closer look at the numbers, need to be thrown out. their efforts into desert areas in what would it be if most Ameri- and you’ll see that the hurdle is even Thanks to political shenanigans, the four border states. The Clin- cans got the homeland security that higher than you might think. Thanks to polls show voters are in a surly mood this ton-instigated crackdown has had they really want? CJ election district lines drawn by Demo- year. If legislators fail to recognize that, unintended consequences, with crats, few Senate races will generate real then perhaps it’s time for constituents aliens now attempting crossovers competition. to apply some powerful persuasion on through the vast deserts, or pay- Paul Chesser is an associate edi- Twenty-one districts have no Jones Street that party time is over. ing steeply ($1,500 on average) for tor of Carolina Journal. contest in the general election. That’s Term limits would be a great way 42 percent of the total seats. Many other to start. CJ CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL Opinion 25 A Definition of Standing Commentary Hobgood decision dangerous for North Carolina if upheld Help Us Get Our Taxes Back t wasn’t a shocking result, based the NC Institute for Constitutional Law, ichard Moore is state treasurer tax, or the mortgage company with- on the buzz of the past couple of challenging the constitutionality of the of North Carolina, a rising holding too much of your monthly months, but it was still dismaying to incentives granted to Dell Computers as Democratic star, and a likely payment in escrow to pay your ho- Isee the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously they sited a new plant in Forsyth County. Rgubernatorial candidate in 2008. But meowners insurance and property dismiss the Cuno lawsuit challenging the This was far worse news, not just for the perhaps most North Carolinians tax. In each case, you are entitled to constitutionality of targeted tax incen- cause of combating government med- know him as the guy they’ve seen in a refund — either all at once, in the tives for economic development. dling in the private marketplace but also those NC Cash ads (helpfully pro- case of income tax, or by reducing The 9-0 decision, importantly, did for the right of North Carolina citizens to duced at state expense) who offers your future payments, in the case of not speak to the underlying Commerce challenge their governments in court for to help them recover their an escrow account. Clause issues at all. The Court simply violations of the state constitution. lost insurance refunds and As an aggrieved found that the plaintiffs, who had won Obviously, no one should want lapsed bank accounts. citizen overcharged on at the trial and appellate levels, did not a system in which the losers of every Richard is an his tax bill, I suppose I have standing to sue under the strict public-policy battle can easily take their energetic, creative, and could get downright testy standards long applied within the fed- cause into the state courts. Former Chief dutiful public servant and demand immediate eral courts. We’ll never know how the Justice Burley Mitchell, who represented (who occasionally errs, recompense in the form case would have turned out, or whether Dell (and once served on the JLF board but to do so is human). of a refund check. But it would have significantly curtailed the of directors), was surely right to com- He’s done a great job never let it be said that I corporate-welfare madness so prevalent ment that state judges should not act as marketing the escheats can’t be reasonable. I’m in state capitals. That’s too bad. policymakers, and was clearly clever to fund. In fact, I like him willing to settle for the But at least everyone knew going employ the loaded term “judicial activ- so much that I’m think- escrow model. in that the federal courts took a narrow ist” to make his point. ing about asking him First of all, let’s fix view of legal standing. It was always the In North Carolina courts, the tra- to help recover some the overcharge. Under vulnerability of Cuno-type challenges in ditional understanding of standing was other money I and many current law, the extended the federal courts. The effort was worth that any taxpayer could sue to challenge others were mistakenly forced to sales and income taxes will stay trying, despite it all, because a federal the constitutionality of government pay. I’m talking, of course, about on the books into the fiscal year precedent would have been powerful. decisions that use his taxes along with the hundreds of millions of dollars that begins July 1, 2006. That will Unfortunately, shortly after the those of everyone else’s. Of course such that North Carolina taxpayers will withhold another $552 million in Cuno dismissal was handed down, Wake a suit may fail. It may be thrown out on pay through June 30 of this year in unnecessary state taxes in 2006-07 County Superior Court Judge Robert a variety of other grounds. But for stand- sales and income taxes that were (the number is much higher than Hobgood used a similar argument ing? If upheld, Hobgood’s decision will supposed to expire at the end of the the previous year’s because of about standing as part of his dismissal be an exceedingly dangerous precedent last fiscal year. the date of the tax-law changes). of a lawsuit, filed on behalf of several for individual rights and good govern- Specifically, the General Obviously, that needs to be halted taxpayer plaintiffs by attorneys with ment in North Carolina. CJ Assembly and Gov. Mike Easley immediately. As for the $457 mil- agreed in 2005 to extend a half-pen- lion overcharge from 2005-06, let’s ny on the state sales tax and main- refund that to North Carolinians Medicaid Mandate to Counties tain an 8.25 percent top income tax over the next two fiscal years by re- rate even though both measures, ducing the statewide sales-tax rate Having state pick up tab would eliminate tax-raising excuses originally enacted in 2001, were from 4 percent to 3.75 percent. Who sold as “temporary” revenue fixes knows, that may be so popular that here are few issues that at- all levels of government involved in in the midst of a budget crisis. For the people’s representatives will tract near-unanimous sentiment formulating a policy should be required the 2005-06 fiscal year, the sales- decide to move the rate permanent- among state political and pub- to share in the cost of carrying the policy tax extension was projected to ly down to 3.5 percent, or lower. Tlic-policy circles. The need to change out. Without “skin in the game,” so to cost North Carolina shoppers $417 So, Richard Moore: you’re al- the counties’ funding responsibility speak, politicians have few incentives million. The income-tax extension ready on record expressing caution for North Carolina’s rapidly growing to keep spending in check or administer was to cost upper-income taxpay- about the increasing state debt load. Medicaid program is on that very short programs effectively. Medicaid is a ver- ers — and an unknown number Lawmakers, eyeing that $2 billion list. sion of the unfunded mandate, but the of their employees and customers, surplus, may consider adding to Medicaid, created along with difference is that in Medicaid, counties via lower wages and higher prices the debt load with new statewide Medicare in 1965 as an amendment to have very little influence over the major — about $40 million. bond issues for schools, roads, wa- the Social Security Act, is a joint federal- decisions that affect the cost and quality We know now that these ter systems, and other projects. state program paying for medical and of the program. “emergency stop-gap measures” Even without any new debt long-term care services to low-income For years, North Carolina counties were unnecessary. Revenue growth issuances, lawmakers are report- families, the disabled, and the elderly. have sought to escape this Medicaid has been higher than expected. edly struggling with the “problem” The federal government’s percentage of burden. Now that the state budget is With state lawmakers arriving of having a huge pile of unspent the bill differs by state – it’s relatively experiencing a record surplus, there Tuesday for their 2006 session, the money and still far more requests low in more prosperous states, relatively should be widespread political sup- story is that they will have a whop- from state agencies and spending high in less prosperous ones. port for dramatically reducing or even ping $2 billion surplus in recur- lobbies than can be satisfied. I think It used to be that North Carolina eliminating the county responsibility for ring and non-recurring funds for that is a “problem” lawmakers and New York were the only states Medicaid this year. dispersal in a 2006-07 budget plan. shouldn’t attempt to solve without that, in turn, passed along some of the Unfortunately, Gov. Mike Easley Obviously, without the extra $457 outside assistance. They may make non-federal share of the Medicaid bill to did not include such an initiative in his million from those tax surcharges another costly mistake. Please help counties. Now that New York is poised proposed 2006-07 budget plan. enacted in the 2005 session, there me and millions of fellow North to end that, we’ll be left as the only state A good way to think about this would still be a healthy surplus. Carolina taxpayers get our money perpetuating the practice. This reality issue is that having the state, which is Quite literally, these revenues, back instead. Where can I obtain helps to explain why the theoretical experiencing robust revenue growth, “enhanced” on the purported the proper form? CJ justification for a county role in funding pick up the full non-federal share of grounds of budgetary necessity, Medicaid — that counties are involved Medicaid would mean that counties are surplus. This is akin to your in carrying out the program as local would no longer be able to cite Medicaid employer withholding too much of administrators — doesn’t really hold growth as an excuse for raising their your income than is necessary to John Hood is president of the true in practice. property taxes or seeking authorization pay your state and federal income John Locke Foundation. It does make sense to ensure that for new sales taxes. CJ June 2006 CAROLINA 26 Opinion JOURNAL
Editorial Briefs
Windfall profits tax and production Experience with windfall taxes has not been positive, H. Sterling Burnett and Christa Bieker of the National Center for Policy Analysis say. In April 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed the Crude Oil Windfall Profits Tax to replace failed oil-price controls. The tax failed to deliver as promised and was repealed in 1988. According to the Congressional Research Service, the windfall profits tax raised a total of $40 billion, instead of the $227 billion initially projected, and generated no revenue after 1986, because oil prices fell and domestic production was lower than expected. The tax reduced domestic oil production by 3 percent to 6 percent because it increased invest- ment risk. Imports increased by 8 percent to 16 percent because of the competitive advantage the tax gave to foreign oil companies. It is not surprising that a windfall profits tax fails to either increase domestic production or reduce prices. When profits are penalized, there are fewer incentives to increase capacity. Oil production is risky and requires heavy initial investment in infrastructure. Because of these uncertainties, investment in oil production requires the ability to forecast likely outcomes. A windfall tax complicates this task. Can Economic Rules Explain Gas Prices? When a company is unsure what the price of oil will be at a certain point in the future and ere we go again! After a respite during the purchases to an alternative retailer, total usage of consequently unsure whether it will be penalized fall and winter, gasoline prices are again gasoline will not have changed, and so there will be by the government for making a profit that year, climbing. It looks like they will easily aver- no impact on gasoline prices. investment risk increases, Burnett and Bieker Hage above $3 a gallon this summer. Again, there are Would price controls on gas help? While price said. questions about why, how, and what to do about it. controls could legally reduce gas prices, there would So, as a professional economist, let me throw be a downside. Whenever price controls have been my two cents (or should I say $3) into the discussion used, they diminish supply of the affected product. about gasoline prices by addressing some questions A shortage results, which the government would Lessons from the monkey police that are on people’s minds today. have to eliminate with some kind of gas rationing A new study shows that police are not unique Why have gas prices risen all of a sudden this plan. to human societies — monkeys have them, too. spring? There are three answers: warm Would increasing the tax on oil More important, removing police from either so- weather, new environmental regula- company profits help reduce gas prices? ciety would make them less happy places, Jessica tions, and a tight oil market. When warm Probably not, and it might even do the Flack of the Santa Fe Institute says. weather arrives, motorists drive more, reverse. Rising profits from selling any Police in monkey societies are not specially and this always tends to push up prices. product motivate companies to make assigned task forces, but are small coteries of Adding a further wrinkle is that new more of that product. Oil companies high-ranking individuals that intervene to break environmental regulations are in place have dramatically increased their spend- up conflicts between lower-ranking individuals in for gasoline, and at least for a while, this ing on oil exploration and development. an apparently disinterested way. However, if they is causing some cost increases. Reducing their profits could curtail this Yet more fundamental is the fact activity and result in lower supplies, and are taken out, the society descends into anarchy Michael that world economic growth, especially higher prices, later. and chaos, just like a human society. Walden from China, India, and other Asian coun- Would gasoline prices fall if gas In a study of a captive group of 84 pigtailed tries, is stretching oil supplies thin. This taxes were reduced? Yes, although likely macaques, three of four dominant males — the is a perfect recipe for higher oil prices, and when oil not as much as the reduction in taxes if the lower acting police force — were removed. Group co- prices rise, so, too, do gasoline prices. price prompts motorists to drive more. hesion rapidly began to disintegrate without the Do oil companies manipulate oil and gas pric- Why don’t we just use gas alternatives? policing males. es? Numerous studies have looked at this question, Price is the answer. To date, many gas alternatives Cliques formed and there was a breakdown and the consistent answer is no. Instead, a better couldn’t be produced and marketed at a price com- of social networks and contact through communal explanation for higher prices is supply and demand. petitive to gasoline. This is changing, as higher oil activities such as playing, grooming, and sitting When demand, or usage, increases faster than sup- and gas prices make more alternatives commercially together. The amount of violence also escalated, ply, the price of the product — here oil — rises. feasible. One problem for developers of these fuels with no one to broker the peace. Are consumers being “gouged” by gas prices? is whether oil prices will remain at their lofty levels. Policing allows members to socialize widely There’s no economic definition of “gouging.” The There are some forecasts they won’t, and such un- at little risk and hold a large troop together, since price we pay at the pump reflects the fundamen- certainly makes investors in the fuels nervous. the police will intervene if things get out of hand. tals of the world oil and gas markets. Fortunately, Maybe these answers aren’t flashy or provoca- Furthermore, the benefit to the police themselves relative to what people earn and spend, the cost of tive enough for the headlines, but reason and good is the size of the troop, with the attendant virtues filling our tanks is not at an all-time high. Gasoline sense are, unfortunately, often dull. CJ of defensive strength and (for the males) more prices would have to rise to above $5 a gallon to available females. In simian, as in human soci- equal the pain to our budgets caused by gasoline ety, rank hath its privilege — and its obligation, prices in the early 1980s. too, Flack said. CJ Could a consumer boycott of any one oil com- Michael L. Walden is a William Neal Reynolds dis- pany bring gas prices down? No. If consumers stop tinguished professor at North Carolina State University buying from one company and simply switch their and an adjunct scholar of the John Locke Foundation. CAROLINA June 2006 JOURNAL Opinion 27 Subsidized ticket sales, and Richard Morgan’s defeat
To the Editor, doubt that the $2.07 is enough to keep To the Editor, Carolina’s outdated involuntary annexa- people from driving to Tennessee to see tion statutes. Morgan refused to help, I noticed in your 10 Jan. ‘06 article the same show. It won’t even pay the Speaker Pro Tem Richard Morgan claiming that the League of Municipali- that the links discussing the theater size gas. It is shocking to see the government was defeated by Joe Boylan in Morgan’s ties was too strong. Pinewild residents (The Randy Parton Theater at Roanoke justifying the unequal treatment of ticket bid for another term in the North were outraged. Rapids, N.C.) at the top and bottom sales with no pause to consider that this Carolina House Pinewild’s displeasure with Mor- yielded two differ- is unfair to other entertainment venues of Representa- gan is reflected in Morgan’s loss this year. ent theater sizes. that sell tickets with no government tives. A big is- Morgan lost Precinct A by 116 votes. This In the article near Letters subsidy. sue in the defeat is a 278-vote swing since 2004. Morgan the top of the page, I was hoping that this would be _ city initiated, lost this year by 333 votes. Clearly, this it was a 1,500-seat to the more outrageous than our own situa- involuntary an- change in Precinct A spelled defeat for theater, and at the tion in nexation. Morgan, and without question, the key bottom it was a Tennessee, where $39.7 million In 2004, issue was forced, involuntary annexa- 600- to 700-seat Editor plus $3 million a year for maintenance Morgan won tion. Also, FYI -- Morgan received 60.9% theater. will be required so that 1,350 passen- Pinehurst Pre- of Precinct A in 2004, and only 42.8% of I took $18 gers per day can travel 27 miles on a cinct A by 152 Precinct A this year. million at 5 percent interest and used the resurrected train track. I guess it never Rep. Richard Morgan vote. This mar- Richard Morgan may have made 40-year capital recovery factor to come occurred to anyone that it would cost gin made up some enemies in Raleigh, but his biggest up with a yearly payment of $454,267.49. the same just to divide up the $39.7 mil- more than half of his 254-vote total mistake was the enemies he made in his If you spread that over 600 seats and lion among the 1,350 and let them each win. own back yard. It seems that enough have a show every day for 40 years, it buy a $29,407 car. The state and city of Then, in 2005, Pinehurst threat- people still value their right to self de- has the effect of knocking $2.07 off of Nashville would then save the $3 mil- ened to involuntarily annex Pinewild, a termination over all the gold plated pork the individual ticket price. lion a year in maintenance. I guess they small community adjacent to Pinehurst. that any politician could deliver. If that $2.07 would cause an cannot do that because someone might Pinewild makes up a large part of Pine- avalanche of decisions to change from buy an SUV. hurst Precinct A. Catherine Heath something else to that theater, it might Pinewild asked Morgan to help. Raleigh, N.C. be worth it to Parton, but what in blazes Danny L. Newton They asked him simply to support Lydia Owen is the advantage to the government? I Cookeville, Tenn. legislation that would study North Pinewild, N.C. Tell Kennedy and McKinney: There Is No Royalty in America
t seems that everyday some politi- Capitol Hill police said that ing and driving, he was a “victim.” James Myart, the congresswom- cian has gotten himself or herself they smelled alcohol on Kennedy and His medication made him do it. an’s lawyer, said “Ms. McKinney is in one kind of a jam or another. wanted to administer a Breathalyzer This might be plausible had Ken- just a victim of being in Congress I Consider the recent misadven- test but that they were overridden nedy not had a history of trouble, in- while black.” The Capitol Police tures of U.S. Reps. Patrick Kennedy by their superiors, who stepped in, cluding treatment in 1986 for cocaine declined to comment, noting that the and Cynthia McKinney and the privi- relieving the officers at the scene, and use and most recently being accused case is under investigation. leges being accorded to them by virtue driving the staggering Kennedy home. of shoving an airport security guard A week later, McKinney, real- of their office. There are reports that a com- at Los Angeles International Airport izing that she had virtually no sup- The case of plaint has been filed with the union when she tried to make him check his port from her Democratic colleagues, Kennedy’s myste- over the supervisors coming in. bag. marched on the House floor and said, rious 3 a.m. Capi- Evidently, the Capitol Police have Then there is the case of McKin- “There should not have been any tol Hill car crash in a generation gap between the older ney from Georgia, who just can’t get a physical contact in this incident. I am which he slammed supervisory ranks, accustomed to break these days. It seems that McKin- sorry that this misunderstanding hap- into a barricade treating Congress like royalty, and the ney believes that security rules and pened at all, and I regret its escalation after, nearly hit a post Sept. 11 recruits (many of them procedures do not apply to her. and I apologize.” police officer, and ex-military) who may see their job as For security purposes, all mem- She said she would vote for a failed to turn on protecting the Capitol from terrorists bers of Congress are given a lapel pin resolution expressing support for the his car lights is Marc and who believe that the same rules that helps the Capitol Police identify efforts of Capitol Police. McKinney’s worth examina- Rotterman should apply to everyone. them. It also affords members the apology came as a District of Colum- tion. Kennedy’s story changed courtesy of not standing in line and bia grand jury began hearing testimo- According to numerous times during the next 24 going through a magnetometer scan ny related to the confrontation. the police, Kennedy staggered from hours, but finally he and his advisors as all other mere mortals do when It seems to me that both mem- his car and was quoted as saying he landed on the “Ambien excuse.” they enter the Capitol complex. bers of Congress refused to take was on his way to vote. It seems Kennedy and his staff In March, McKinney tried to responsibility for their actions. In a remarkable coincidence, must have gone into damage-control bypass a metal detector while walking It is also clear that McKinney claiming to be on his way to a vote mode, ran across a series of well-pub- into a House office building without and Kennedy both received preferen- would have made it illegal to arrest licized stories that appeared in the her lapel pin. tial treatment from the police. the congressman or subject him to any popular press documenting a new The officer involved in the There is no royalty in America sobriety test, since the U.S. Constitu- phenomenon: people driving dazed incident, asked McKinney three times and neither Democrats nor Republi- tion states that members of Congress after becoming disoriented by the to stop. After she refused, the officer cans should receive preferential treat- “shall in all Cases, except Treason, prescription sleep medication and, ta reportedly placed a hand on her and ment that would not be accorded to Felony and Breach of the Peace, be da — the “Ambien excuse.” she hit him with her cell phone. the average citizen. CJ privileged from Arrest during their Kennedy called a press confer- In an effort to get her side of the Attendance at the Session of their re- ence and said, “Apparently, I was story out, McKinney called a press spective Houses, and in going to and disoriented from the medication.” He conference and said that the alterca- returning from the same.” also said he was seeking treatment for tion between her and a U.S. Capitol The only problem with that part addiction to prescription drugs at the Police officer was instigated when Marc Rotterman is a senior fellow of of his story was that it was 3 a.m. and Mayo clinic. she was inappropriately touched and the John Locke Foundation and treasurer Congress was not in session. No longer was Kennedy drink- stopped. of the American Conservative Union. June 2006 C a r o l i n a 28 Parting Shot Journal His Key To Success? Wait For Good Stuff to Happen (a CJ book review parody)
• Gov. Mike Easley: How to Make Money reveals how simple The National Best Seller he made their dream portation board member Steve Stroud in Real Estate; N.C. Capitol Publishing; Easley’s plan is: come true by finding dug out a marina in what is now Can- 2006; 100 pp; $29.95, available at Wal- • S u r r o u n d How to Make Money positions on the Board nonsgate and sold the dirt to the DOT Mart yourself with wealthy in Real Estate of Transportation and contractor rebuilding N.C. 24 in front of friends who speculate the Clean Water Trust the development. “He paid for that ma- By DON L. TRUMP in real estate. Fund for the handy- rina construction by selling his surplus Guest Contributor • Help those men, who just hap- dirt to DOT. Now, that guy knows how SOUTHPORT friends any way you pened to be qualified to make a deal!” he wrote. n addition to being a state employee can. for those appoint- Another Easley associate, R. V. ever since graduating from North • Tell them you as seen ments. “Sometimes Owens, made $1 million in one day. Carolina Central Law School, Gov. would like to make on TV good stuff just hap- Owens is the nephew of Senate boss IMike Easley has been actively involved money in real estate, pens,” he wrote. Marc Basnight and has been a major in increasing his wealth through invest- too. Easley said one political fund-raiser for Easley and other ing in real estate. Easley shares some • Wait for the of his best investments politicians. Owens has served on several of his secrets, and a few secrets from a tips to come in. by was a lot in Cannon- state boards. couple of his friends, in his new book In one chapter sgate, a new com- Easley detailed how in 2004 with Gov. Mike Easley How to Make Money in Real Estate. Easley explains that munity on the Bogue no money down, Owens and a partner Easley started investing in real investors should think Sound near Emerald bought a 15-lot beachfront subdivision estate when he was the district attorney outside the box and also consider value- Isle. “I had no idea they were giving me in Currituck County for $6.5 million. for Brunswick and Columbus counties added home improvements. Shortly a deal on that lot. I paid $550,000 for a The next day they sold seven of the lots in southeastern North Carolina. In a rare after becoming governor in 2001 Easley lot that some say is worth $1 million. for a total of $7.6 million. Their total inside look at his real-estate secrets, the said he was approached by a couple of All I had to do was hope my developer take, including the sale of the remain- book describes how he got to know a lot campaign contributors who offered to friends had no environmental permit- ing lots, will put their gain at more than of important people. remodel his Southport home on the Cape ting problems. They didn’t,” Easley said. $11 million. “These people were always trying Fear River. While putting up wallboard “It just so happened that they were also “I told R. V. he should get out of to do favors for me. Many would pass one day, the contributors mentioned willing to take some board appointments the restaurant business and just invest along real estate tips. One even offered they’d always wanted to serve on a state that were vacant.” in real estate, and that is what he did,” to sell me a lot at Bald Head Island at a board or commission. In addition to his own deals, Ea- Easley said. bargain price. He told me that I would be After the remodeling job was sley chronicled the deals of two other This reviewer recommends Ea- able to resell it and make a lot of money. completed, the governor said he was so real estate developers with political sley’s book to anyone who wants to He was right,” Easley said. pleased and surprised that the bill was connections. make money in real estate or read about How to Make Money in Real Estate far less than the original estimate that Former N.C. Department of Trans- politicians who have done it. CJ
We Have North Carolina Talking!
Every week, hundreds of thousands of North NC SPIN has been called ‘the most intelligent THE NC SPIN TELEVISION NETWORK (Partial) Carolinians watch NC SPIN for a full, all-points half-hour on North Carolina TV’ and is consid- WLOS-TV ABC Asheville Sundays 6am discussion of issues important to the state. Poli- ered required viewing for those who play the WWWB-TV WB55 Charlotte Sundays 11pm tics • Schools • Growth • Taxes • Health Trans- political game in the Tar Heel State — whether WJZY-TV UPN46 Charlotte Sundays 6:30am portation • Businesss • The Environment they are in government, cover government, WHIG-TV Indep. Rocky Mount Sundays 10am, 2pm want to be in government, or want to have the WRAZ-TV FOX50 Raleigh-Durham Sundays 8:30am A recent poll showed 48% of North Carolina ear of those in government. WRAL-TV CBS Raleigh-Durham Sundays 6:30am Sundays 5:30am ‘influentials’ — including elected officials, lobby- WILM-TV CBS Wilmington WFMY-TV CBS Greensboro Sundays 6:30am ists, journalists, and business leaders — watch If your company, trade association, or group WRXO-TV Independent Roxboro Saturdays 6pm NC SPIN, with 24% saying they watched the has a message you want political or business WITN-TV NBC Washington-New Bern Mondays 12:30am show ‘nearly every week.’ Thousands of North leaders to hear, NC SPIN’s statewide TV and Cable-7 Independent Greenville Mondays 6pm Carolinians also visit NCSPIN.com and get the radio networks are the place for you to be! Tuesdays 6:30pm latest political news, rumors, and gossip from its Call Carolina Broadcasting (919-832-1416) for Saturdays 9pm Mountain News Network Sundays 9am weekly newsletter “Spin Cycle.” advertising information about TV or radio. Mondays 5:30pm (WLNN Boone, WTBL Lenoir) Tuesdays, 12:30pm