• Anti-Speaker Web Site • Charter Choice Creator Speaks p. 4 for Teachers, p. 8

More Dredging Pleas , p. 5 The Healing Place, p. 16

Statewide Edition A Monthly Journal of News, Analysis, and Opinion from January 2006 • Vol. 15, No. 1 the John Locke Foundation www.CarolinaJournal.com www.JohnLocke.org Roanoke Rapids Projects Tap Public Funds By DON CARRINGTON 3.2–mile test track, designed to attract automotive Executive Editor testing and research companies. A few miles to the ROANOKE RAPIDS south, but also adjacent to I-95 at Exit 171 is the 750- conomic development officials in northeast acre site for The Randy Parton Theater and Carolina North Carolina put a pretty face on the ground- Crossroads Music & Entertainment District. Three more breaking in mid-November of one of three proj- miles to the south along I-95 at Exit 168 is the 118-acre Eects planned around Roanoke Rapids. Dolly Parton site for a theme park to be called “Turtle Island: Native was there. So was brother Randy. America USA.” But the stark reality is that state The vehicle research center is in Northampton taxpayers appear to be the only County, population about 22,000; and the other two ones paying a pretty penny for projects are in Halifax County, population about the projects and that conflicts of 56,000. interest abound. While seemingly different, the projects have Supporters of three re- much in common. Each project is heavily dependent cently launched Roanoke Rap- on public funds to get started. The specific sources of ids-area projects say the projects private funds remain a secret. will deliver thousands of jobs The Northeastern North Carolina Regional Eco- and provide millions of dollars Northeast Partner- nomic Development Commission, whose headquarters of economic benefits for the re- ship Executive Direc- are in Edenton, is a key player in the research center gion. But to succeed, each will tor Rick Watson and the Parton project. The General Assembly created ultimately depend on a steady the 19-member commission to facilitate economic de- stream of customers. Only time will tell whether the velopment in a 16-county region. House Speaker Jim customers come and the projects deliver the promised Black, and Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight benefits. each appoint six members, and Gov. Mike Easley ap- Just a few miles north of Roanoke Rapids, off Country singer Dolly Parton joined her brother, Randy, at Interstate 95 at Exit 176 is the site of the Advanced the Roanoke Rapids groundbreaking for the Randy Parton Vehicle Research Center, a 625-acre facility with a Continued as “Roanoke Rapids” Page 2 Theater (Photo by Don Carrington) Most Partnerships Manage to Avoid Conflicts of Interest By PAUL CHESSER Watson, who has arranged to work reer,” said Don Kirkman, president of the in the business of getting incentives for Associate Editor for Randy Parton and his Moonlight Piedmont Triad Regional Partnership. companies. That responsibility is left RALEIGH Bandit production company in Roanoke “Part of the reason may be is that the to the state Department of Commerce nlike Rick Watson of North Rapids while still retaining his head kinds of projects we are involved in are and to county and city government Carolina’s Northeast Partner- role with the partnership, sought state ones in which there have been no local agencies. ship, some leaders of the state’s money for a music-theater project that investment.” “We’re really just a marketing or- Uother regional economic development is planned for Northampton County. Kirkman said his agency, which ganization,” Kirkman said. “We’re not groups say they cannot imagine situa- He also asked for public money for the receives about 50 percent of its fund- in the transactional side. We just try to tions in which they would seek public Advanced Vehicle Research Center in his ing from the state, has a policy against market and generate leads.” money for businesses that they are trying role leading North Carolina’s Northeast conflicts of interest — when it comes That mission stands in contrast to to recruit and or work for. Some of them Partnership Foundation. to pursuing state money for individual say they have explicit policies against “I’ve had no experience in dealing projects or recruited businesses. He said such conflicts of interest. with that set of circumstances in my ca- the Piedmont partnership isn’t really Continued as “Most” Page 3

Do you feel things in North Carolina 80are headed in the right direction? The John Locke Foundation NONPROFIT ORG. 50 Contents 200 W. Morgan St., #200 U.S. POSTAGE Raleigh, NC 27601 PAID RALEIGH, NC 40 State Government 3 PERMIT NO. 1766

Yes 43 % Washington Watch 6 30 No 42 % Education 8 Not Sure 15 % Higher Education 12 20 Local Government 16

10 Books & the Arts 20 Opinion 24

0 Parting Shot 28 John William% Respondents Pope Civitas in June Institute Civitas Poll, Institute November Poll 2005 CAROLINA C a r o l i n a North Carolina JOURNAL Journal Roanoke Rapids Projects Tap Public Funds Richard Wagner Continued from Page 1 if someone sets up a for-profit and the Editor county controls it then you run into the points seven. The chairman, Jack Runion issue — can the county run a test track? Don Carrington of Littleton, is an Easley appointee. Rick You have issues whether counties can Executive Editor Watson is president and CEO. do that.” The commission’s annual funding Northampton County Commis- Paul Chesser, Michael Lowrey from the state is about $1.5 million, but sion Chairwoman Virginia Spruill told Donna Martinez Watson typically seeks and receives Associate Editors CJ that even though she was not at the additional state grant money from a meeting, her board approved the ar- variety of programs. One organization Chad Adams, Shannon Blosser, rangement for Brown and Jenkins to Andrew Cline, Roy Cordato, is apparently not adequate to carry out establish a nonprofit and become board Paige Holland Hamp, David Hartgen, the commission’s mission. Watson and members. She referred further questions Sam A. Hieb, Lindalyn Kakadelis, Runion have created and control other to County Attorney Charles Vaughan. George Leef, Maximilian Longley, organizations to handle money, includ- Asked whether the board had approved Karen Palasek, Marc Rotterman, ing North Carolina’s Northeast Partner- the arrangement, Vaughan told CJ, “I Mike Rouse, R.E. Smith Jr., ship, Inc.; North Carolina’s Northeast don’t know. I had no part in that.” Jack Sommer, John Staddon, Economic Development Foundation, CJ then asked Jenkins for copies Jim Stegall, George Stephens, Inc.; North Carolina’s Northeast Com- of county commission meeting minutes Jeff Taylor, Michael Walden, mittee of 1000; and North Carolina’s approving his participation as an AVRC Karen Welsh, Hal Young Northeast Partnership for Financing. Northampton County Community Devel- board member. He said he would search Contributing Editors For simplicity, further references to any opment Director Gary Brown (Photo by the meeting minutes and provide the in- or all of these organizations will be as Don Carrington) formation. Subsequently he responded Richard Carney, Travis Fisher, Watson’s Commission. Guillermo Peña, Brent Lucas, in writing stating, “There are no such Jenna Ashley Robinson, indicate that Watson initiated efforts to minutes as there was no approval by the Matt Stephenson Vehicle Research Center have the $7.5 million sent directly to his Northampton County Board of Commis- Editorial Interns commission instead of to the AVRC. sioners on the issue of the members of According to the Advanced Vehicle The $7.5 million in AVRC funding the make up of the Board of Directors Research Center of North Carolina press from the Assembly is not automatic. The of the AVRC.” Published by release, the facility will be an automotive 2005-06 budget bill stipulates that before Department of Commerce spokes- The John Locke Foundation proving ground featuring “a high-speed releasing any money, the Office of State woman Alice Garland told CJ, “There 200 W. Morgan St., # 200 track, ride and handling track, vehicle Budget and Management must certify is no written or email correspondence Raleigh, N.C. 27601 dynamics area, advanced emissions that the AVRC has obtained legal title in the Department pertaining to Vann (919) 828-3876 • Fax: 821-5117 laboratory, hydrogen and alternative to the property, provided the necessary Rogerson’s appointment to the AVRC www.JohnLocke.org fuel refueling stations, client offices and infrastructure to support the facility, Board.” Runion told CJ that he thought workshop areas.” and entered into a contract for use of the executive committee had approved Jon Ham the facility that will create private-sec- Rogerson’s participation in November. Vice President & Publisher The idea was the brainchild of Dick Dell of Raleigh. Northampton tor jobs. The AVRC is also required to He was vague on other details about deliver to the governor and legislative John Hood County Community Development Di- the AVRC. “Vann has been handling Chairman & President rector Gary Brown described Dell as a leaders a detailed progress report before that project. I really haven’t gotten in- lifetime automotive enthusiast who is Dec. 31, 2005. At press time, no report volved,” he said. Bruce Babcock, Herb Berkowitz, retired from IBM. “After retirement he had been received and no funds had On Nov. 3 Golden LEAF Foun- Jim Fulghum, Bill Graham, has spent considerable time studying been released. dation awarded a $1 million grant to Robert Luddy, Assad Meymandi how new products After a pub- Watson’s commission to be used for Baker A. Mitchell, Jr., Carl Mumpower, have been brought lic hearing Dec. 5, the AVRC. The legislature created the Maria Ochoa, J. Arthur Pope, to the market. He On Nov. 3 Golden LEAF the Northampton nonprofit foundation in 1999 to receive Tula Robbins, Thomas A. Roberg, has a huge inter- County Commis- one-half of the funds coming to North David Stover, Robert Stowe, est in alternative Foundation awarded sioners approved Carolina from the master settlement Andy Wells fuel technologies,” spending $1.8 mil- agreement with cigarette manufacturers. Board of Directors Brown told Caro- a $1 million grant to lion to buy 625 The politically appointed board makes lina Journal last acres of land to grants to various economic development [Rick] Watson’s commis- give to the AVRC, projects throughout the state. When Carolina Journal is a monthly journal May. an organization asked why the money didn’t go directly of news, analysis, and commentary on state With a grant sion to be used for the formed in March and local government and public policy issues from the state– to AVRC, the nonprofit organization that in North Carolina. funded Rural Eco- [Advanced Vehicle Re- 2005, and run is to receive a $7.5 million appropriation nomic Develop- by three board from the legislature, Golden LEAF Presi- ©2005 by The John Locke Foundation ment Center, Dell search Center]. members, who are dent Valeria Lee told CJ that Watson “ap- Inc. All opinions expressed in bylined articles who is now an also government plied for the grant, because the Vehicle are those of the authors and do not necessarily employee of the employees. The Center has not yet received tax-exempt reflect the views of the editors of CJ or the AVRC, authored a feasibility study on organization’s president is Brown. A status, but we actually expect the money staff and board of the John Locke Foundation. his own idea that concluded his project county employee, his department man- to go directly to Northampton County Material published herein may be reprinted as was feasible, and would “realistically ages the county’s planning and land-use for expenses associated with developing long as appropriate credit is given. Submis- have the potential to bring more than functions. The other two board members the 30-acre site.” sions and letters are welcome and should be 6,000 jobs to North Carolina.” are Brown’s boss, County Manager The grant application refers to the directed to the editor. In his study Dell also said the AVRC Wayne Jenkins; and Vann Rogerson, project as “Project Chapman,” which can pick from a number of business vice president of marketing for Watson’s at the time was a code name for Lotus CJ readers wanting more information commission. Rogerson is in a unique Engineering, a Michigan-based divi- between monthly issues can call 919-828-3876 models, “but all of them will probably position because he is also an employee sion of the British racecar manufacturer and ask for Carolina Journal Weekly Re- include for-profit for operation and of the N.C. Department of Commerce started by Colin Chapman. The grant port, delivered each weekend by e-mail, or visit development and non-profit for own- CarolinaJournal.com for news, links, and ex- ership responsibility and cooperative based in Edenton. application stated that Project Chap- clusive content updated each weekday. Those university projects.” David Lawrence, a faculty member man will create 790 new jobs and have interested in education, higher education, or The bulk of the funding for the of the UNC School of Government told a taxable investment of $43 million in local government should also ask to receive AVRC is a $7.5 million appropriation CJ that it is not unusual for a county to North Carolina. The application also weekly e-letters covering these issues. from the legislature. Documents ob- set up a nonprofit associated with an tained from the State Budget Office economic development activity. “But Continued as “Three” on Page 3 CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL North Carolina  Three Roanoke Rapids Projects Tap Public Funds Continued from Page 2 now governs it. The tribe has pursued federal recognition since 1979. stated that AVRC has secured “engineer- [Rick] Watson said he initiated the idea for the project Earl Evans, a spokesman for the ing resources” valued at $3 million that and recruited [Randy] Parton to participate. Watson tribe, told CJ that the tribe has also will be donated to the project. Simon received $250,000 from HUD’s Rural Cobb, director of product planning for and other supporters said the project represents an Housing and Economic Development Lotus, confirmed that his company is program, and will be requesting $1 part of the project and will be donating investment of $250 million. million from the Assembly for costs of engineering services. design, marketing, and promotion of When asked how his company Turtle Island. Evans said the tribe had became involved in the project, Cobb Complete funding details are Entertainment District failed to submit a feasibility study on the project, but he said, “We worked through a public ten- sketchy, but Roanoke Rapids City Man- a required progress report by Sept. 1, would not make it public at this time. der to win that position.” He explained ager Rick Benton told CJ that the city will 2005 to the Office of State Budget and The first phase of the project is that Lotus responded to AVRC’s request spend $13 million building a 1,500-seat Management, the Department of Com- estimated to cost about $30 million and for proposals. He said he expects that theater and turn it over to Parton to merce, and the Fiscal Research Division the tribe expects to raise money from hundreds of people will be hired to work operate. He said that the NCDOT will of the General Assembly. At press time government grants, foundations, and at the facility, but acknowledged that spend about $3 million to modify and the district had still not released such private donations. Evans would not most of the workers would be brought improve nearby roads, and that there a report. say how much money he expected to in from other areas. will be $2 million in state grant money come from government sources. He said U.S. Rep. G. K. Butterfield secured used for water and sewer extensions. He Turtle Island the tribe has contracted with a Warren $1.5 million in federal funds for the said he expects the rest of the money to AVRC. Butterfield spokesman Ken Willis be private. In November 2004 the Golden County company named BR Associates said county commissioners and repre- In early November, Watson re- LEAF Foundation awarded $100,000 to create a preliminary design for the sentatives from the center asked for the ceived approval from his board of di- to the Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe for park. He said Barry Richardson, who money. He said that a Butterfield staff rectors to work for Parton’s Moonlight pre-development costs for a project is also a Warren County commissioner, member had read the feasibility study Bandit Productions while keeping his called “Turtle Island: Native America owns the company. and that “the federal government has current $165,000 job as the CEO of his USA.” Promoters of the project say it Richardson is closely involved with some responsibility to be a partner.” commission. His duties and salary with will be a Native-American theme park the tribe. A biography on the tribe’s web Moonlight Bandit are unknown. He said situated on 118 acres in Halifax County site says Richardson had served as the Entertainment District that he plans to end his commission job off I-95. tribal administrator, and represents the in 2007 but continue employment with It “will serve as a tourism destina- tribe on the N.C. Commission of Indian The groundbreaking ceremony for Moonlight Bandit. tion and economic catalyst for the area Affairs. Among his business interests the Randy Parton Theater and Carolina But an apparent conflict of inter- — increasing demand for local agricul- the bio listed BR Associates, describing Crossroads Entertainment District was est has already surfaced. Documents tural products that will be used at the it as “a consulting firm specializing in conducted Nov. 11 at the site next to obtained from the N.C. Department of park; providing jobs for area residents; writing proposals, strategic plans and I-95 south of Roanoke Rapids. Parton Commerce show that, under Watson’s and, creating benefits for area hotels, financial management.” Asked when recently set up Moonlight Bandit Pro- signature, the commission submitted restaurants, and businesses.” They say his preliminary design work will be ductions to manage the main theater, documents to Commerce establishing the park will also help educate the public finished, Richardson told CJ, “I don’t which will be built by the City of Roa- claim to the $500,000 in state funds ear- about the history and culture of Native have the slightest idea.” When asked noke Rapids. Parton and his wife are marked for the entertainment project. So Americans. how much he was getting paid, he said, moving to the area from their home near Watson’s Commission would be receiv- The Haliwa-Saponi reside primar- “I think it is irrelevant. Why should I Pigeon Forge, Tenn. ing state funds that are designated for ily in Halifax, Warren, and adjoining disclose that?” Watson said he initiated the idea his new employer. North Carolina counties. The majority The Turtle Island project has for the project and recruited Parton to The Commerce Department has of the 3,800 enrolled members live in not yet received any funds directly participate. Watson and other supporters balked on releasing the money because southwestern Halifax County and south- from the legislature. If the project gets said the project represents an investment the legislation calls for the money to go eastern Warren County. North Carolina money, the release of funds will likely of $250 million and the creation of more to the Roanoke Rapids Entertainment officially recognized the tribe in 1965, be subject to reporting requirements than 2,500 jobs. Complex. Another holdup is that the and the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal Council similar to other projects. CJ Most Partnerships Manage to Avoid Conflicts of Interest Continued from Page 1 a conflict-of-interest policy because to be mission, which conducts its business as ment gain that could result from such involved with a company he is trying to AdvantageWest, maintains a detailed relationships. the Northeast Partnership, with which get public money for is inconceivable. ethics policy and code of conduct for its “Other interests that may create Watson repeatedly pursues state money “I’ve been in this business a long employees and board members. Its eth- a conflict in producing non-financial for projects his organization works on. time,” Butler said. “In my entire career ics guidelines prohibit employees and gain include the benefit to reputation Those include the Parton project and the I’ve never had that type of situation directors with a “significant financial or prestige in a professional field,” the Vehicle Research Center, as well as his brought forth to me.” business interest” in a business from AdvantageWest code of conduct says. efforts to get Tobacco Trust Fund money Charles Hayes, director of the getting consideration for grants from “No employee, officer, board member for a fingerprint security company and Research Triangle Regional Partnership, AdvantageWest. Also, employees and or agent shall accept gratuities, favors, for a defunct biotechnology company said his organization is in the process board members must disclose their or anything of monetary value from in 2002. of developing a conflict-of-interest investments in companies that receive contractors.” Another regional partnership head policy, even though local economic de- consideration from AdvantageWest, and Watson did not return a phone says his organization doesn’t usually velopers mostly handle incentives. The are required to abstain from voting on message inquiring about the North- seek incentives either. organization’s board is large and has proposals related to those companies. east Partnership’s conflict-of-interest “We are a straight-up marketing many representatives from businesses AdvantageWest’s code of conduct policy. Carolina Journal requested that organization,” said Paul Butler, director and industry throughout the state. That also addresses potential conflicts with a copy of such a policy be provided, of North Carolina’s Southeast, which makes it more likely that board mem- organizations that might have contracts but by the publication deadline had pursues economic development for 11 bers could have stocks or mutual funds with the Asheville-based agency. No not received anything. CJ counties in the state. “That is the ‘block- invested with companies that seek the agreements with outside interests that and-tackle’ grunt-work of economic partnership’s help. “would create a conflict of interest” Paul Chesser is associate editor of development.” The Western North Carolina Re- are permitted, and the policy extends Carolina Journal. Contact him at pchesser@ Butler said his agency doesn’t have gional Economic Development Com- beyond the obvious financial or employ- carolinajournal.com. January 2006 CAROLINA  North Carolina JOURNAL Says motive was disgust with unethical conduct Foe of Black Explains Web Site That Calls for Speaker to Quit

By PAUL CHESSER Sinsheimer believes a resignation Associate Editor by Black as speaker — not from his RALEIGH “Clearly, I’ve hit a nerve. It was like elected office — could go a long way ormer Democratic political con- toward alleviating the turmoil surround- sultant Joe Sinsheimer, who in setting off a bomb inside the Ra- ing state Democrats. He said that if Black mid-November started a Web leigh political establishment.” did resign the speakership, Sinsheimer Fsite calling for the resignation of N.C. would take down his website. House Speaker Jim Black, says he did Joe Sinsheimer He disagrees with others in the so because his disgust with continuous Former Democratic consultant party, such as state President Jerry Meek, revelations of unethical conduct reached who have said that Black has served the a boiling point. Creator of www.jimblackmustgo.com party honorably and that no wrongdo- Sinsheimer, who has twice retired ing has been proven. He also thinks it’s from politics and now runs a venture wrong to wait and see whether the U.S. capital fund that backs a few small North port had been running favorable by a “I firmly believe that if [Black] attorney returns indictments against Carolina technology companies, decided 30-1 ratio. Of those who have identified doesn’t resign, that this will be the cam- Black. it was his duty to speak out about what themselves as Democrats, he said sup- paign issue in 2006 and the Democrats “I just don’t believe that’s the right he believes is overwhelming evidence port runs about 20-1. will get slaughtered over it,” Sinsheimer standard,” Sinsheimer said, adding that that Black abused his power by doling “Clearly, I’ve hit a nerve,” he said. said. it could take the U.S. attorney another out money, jobs, and favors in exchange “It was like setting off a bomb inside the He said he hopes the ethics cloud six months to finish his investigation. for political support. Raleigh political establishment.” hanging over the party can be set aside “How many more jobs is Jim Black going “My outrage just kept going up and Sinsheimer said that establish- before the 2006 campaigns are in full to give out during that time?” up,” said Sinsheimer, who has steadily ment — represented by Democrats he swing, so that Democrats can spend their Still, Sinsheimer said he recognizes followed news reports from The News said are linked or dependent on the time focusing on important issues rather that all his fellow Democrats find it dif- & Observer of Raleigh and The Charlotte political and fund-raising machine led than defending themselves against al- ficult to take a public position on the Observer. “I sort of said to myself, ‘Am I by Black, Senate President Pro Tem Marc legations of corruption. allegations, and he understands why going to be a complainer or am I going Basnight, and Gov. Mike Easley — has “I’m trying to shake my party’s they have been mostly silent. Still, he to be a doer?’” almost completely rejected or ignored lapels and say we’ve got to fix this said he is somewhat disappointed that The stories motivated Sinsheimer him, failing to return telephone mes- problem,” Sinsheimer said. “We have he seems to be the only one publicly to launch www.jimblackmustgo.com, sages or e-mails. to deal with it now. calling for significant changes. which links the news reports; explains The Democratic support he has “I don’t believe ultimately voters “I know I’m in the minority on this why he wants Black to resign; chronicles received, he said, has come from those care about scandal if it’s dealt with. at this point,” he said. “There are a lot of the events involving the speaker’s rela- outside that system, what he says are But if it’s not dealt with, and it’s an people who don’t want to step out and tionship with lobbyist and political aide the “grassroots” party members. outstanding issue in the 2006 elections take a leadership position, and I think Meredith Norris and other political sup- Sinsheimer said he instantly got and every Democratic House member’s it’s unfortunate. porters; and posts messages from people media attention with the Web site. He got to basically defend themselves, and “I would have hoped somebody who have visited the Web site. has already accomplished much of what say, ‘How much money you’ve taken else would have stepped up. But if Sinsheimer said he only had to he wants: starting a dialogue within his from Black, are you going to vote for they want to do the ‘circle-the-wagons’ invest about $160 of his own money in party about the questionable ethics of its Black for speaker?’…that’s a recipe for thing, then that’s their decision,” he the project in the first month, and sup- elected leadership. disaster for Democrats.’” said. CJ State Rep. Bill Faison Says He’s ‘Incidental’ Defender of Black By PAUL CHESSER with the appearance of Black’s relation- Black’s “inner circle,” he doesn’t know “If there are things that are wrong,” Associate Editor ship with Norris, and her simultaneous whether the speaker knew beforehand Faison said, “if there are things that vio- RALEIGH roles as a lobbyist and as the speaker’s about Geddings’s role with the lottery late the rules and regulations by which emocrat Bill Faison, the only political consultant and legislative vendor. we all operate, then they ought to be state representative from Or- worker, which Faison said “looks bad.” As for the state job Black got for changed and they ought to be fixed.” ange County who’s not from He said he thinks the speaker recognized former state Rep. Michael Decker, who As for Sinsheimer and his DChapel Hill, says he does not consider that and took away her political job. switched political parties in 2003 to website,www.jimblackmustgo.com, himself an intentional defender of House “It appears to me to have a con- help elect Black as co-speaker, Faison Faison said, “It’s America. Free speech Speaker Jim Black, who is the subject of flict of interest,” Faison said. “I’m glad said political patronage exists all over exists everywhere.” a federal investigation into his relation- the action [to remove Norris] has been government. But he said he was skeptical about ship with former political and legislative taken.” “There are lots of political patron- some of the information Sinsheimer has aide, and lobbyist, Meredith Norris. He also said Norris’s failure to dis- age jobs around, including the U.S. publicized, including a claim that Black But because media organizations close her lobbying role for lottery vendor attorneys’ positions,” Faison said. “If is a “political bully.” Faison called that (including Carolina Journal) came calling Scientific Games was a problem. we say that political patronage jobs are accusation “over the top” and “funda- in search of someone with doubts about “I don’t know what she concealed, bad, then you’ve got to restructure a mentally false.” the motives of Joe Sinsheimer, the former but you know, I don’t understand why whole system.” Faison was the only Democrat who Democratic consultant who started a she didn’t register as a lobbyist, because But Faison, who was first elected failed to support last year’s budget bill, website calling for Black’s resignation as it’s easy enough to do,” Faison said. “It in 2004, pleaded ignorance about the and he said if Black was actually a bully, speaker, Faison stepped forward. seems like that would have resolved all details behind legislative “slush funds” he would have been the one pressured “I don’t perceive my role as a role the issues surrounding her relationship controlled by Black, former Cospeaker by the speaker. out to defend Black,” Faison said in to Scientific Games.” Richard Morgan, and Senate President “It didn’t happen to me,” Faison an interview. “I have views and I have Black appointed Kevin Geddings, Pro Tem Marc Basnight. said. “I haven’t heard anyone come to observations and I have opinions, and I who had also done work for Scientific Black used part of the money he me and say ‘that happened to me.’” don’t mind sharing those. If that ends up Games, to the N.C. Lottery Commis- controlled to create the job for Decker, Faison questioned Sinsheimer’s defending or is perceived as a defense sion. Geddings has since resigned from which has raised questions about sepa- motives, and said he wondered whether of his position, I view that as incidental the commission, which Faison said was ration-of-powers issues between the anyone else is behind the website, which and not primary.” “appropriate.”He said because he’s not legislative and executive branches of Sinsheimer said has cost him only $160 to Faison acknowledged problems part of the legislative group that make up the state government. run. CJ CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL North Carolina  Third Ferry Division Employee Pleads Guilty in Dredging Case By DON CARRINGTON Bateman, O’Neal and Moore to fully Executive Editor cooperate with the ongoing investiga- RALEIGH tion and to testify in court if asked. superintendent with the N.C. Both Moore and Ferry Division Ferry Division pleaded guilty on Director Jerry Gaskill initially said the Dec. 15 in U.S. District Court to boats got stuck while marking the chan- Afederal charges that he ordered workers nel and accidentally dredged the area. aboard a division workboat to illegally Their claims contradict Bateman’s and cut a channel in Currituck Sound near O’Neal’s admissions that the dredging Corolla. was intentional. Gaskill has not been According to court records, Billy charged with any crimes. R. Moore, 60, of Grantsboro, dredge Proponents of the ferry service said and field maintenance superintendent, the route was necessary to transport committed a felony by ordering the approximately 40 schoolchildren from workers to “prop wash” a channel in the the Currituck Outer Banks area to the sound even though he knew a permit Currituck mainland. The students had had not been issued by the U.S. Army previously attended school in Dare Corps of Engineers. One of the charges County but were forced out because of could bring Moore up to three years in crowding concerns. They face a lengthy prison. bus ride without the ferry, say ferry The dredging was done in May of supporters. 2004. The channel, which created a berm With Sen. Marc Basnight of Dare and a navigational hazard, was about 730 Slips built onto a dock in Corolla near the Whalehead Club sit in 6 inches of water. The County as the driving force, the North feet long, four to five feet deep, and 120 dredging area at issue is at right in this photo, past the end of the dock. (Photo by Don Carolina General Assembly appropri- feet across at the widest point. Carrington) ated $834,000 in June 2003 to get the ferry Moore pleaded guilty to the As superintendent, Moore was in terms of water quality improvement service started. DOT ordered a 50-foot, charges after he had entered a plea responsible for making all day-to-day and the protection of aquatic wildlife 49-passenger, enclosed-cabin pontoon agreement with U.S. Attorney Frank D. decisions for dredge and maintenance habitats. Public officials who are en- boat from a Florida boat builder. The Whitney. Moore was project manager for projects to which he was assigned, and trusted with our state’s resources cannot boat could operate in shallow water, the channel, which was to be used by a for the N.C. Department of Transporta- ignore environmental laws designed to but Gaskill had already determined that new ferry service from the Currituck tion’s compliance with permits issued protect those same resources, whether dredging at the Corolla site would be mainland to Corolla. under the Rivers and Harbor Act and motivated by private or other interests,” required, nonetheless. The other dredge crew workers, the Clean Water Act. Whitney said. “Although a pontoon vessel Herbert F. O’Neal, 51, of Aurora, and NC DOT planned to establish the The U.S. Environmental Protec- configuration operates in very shallow Douglas A. Bateman, 55, of Aydlett, had ferry service and to build a landing tion Agency, the SBI, the U.S. Coast water, the approach channel into Corolla pleaded guilty Nov. 21 to misdemeanor site at Heritage Park inlet, next to the Guard Investigative Service, and the would still require some dredging,” charges in federal court in Elizabeth Whalehead Club and near the Corolla Corps conducted the investigation of Gaskill wrote in a letter to DOT Secretary City. All of the men were convicted of lighthouse. In 1996 and 2000 Currituck the dredging. Lyndo Tippett in January 2003. “The violating the U.S. Clean Water Act and County officials had applied for permits Judge Terrence Boyle accepted the Ferry Division recommends establishing the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. to dredge a channel at the site. defendants’ plea agreements. Sentenc- a channel that is 40’ wide by 6’ deep. It After being questioned by the The permits were denied because ing for Bateman and O’Neal will be at is important to note that the appropriate Corps of Engineers about the dredging, of concerns the dredging would harm a later date, but could include up to one CAMA permits be acquired prior to the Moore lied when he said the channel was fish, wildlife, and other aquatic re- year in prison for each man. Stephen G. commencement of the dredging phase of created by accident, the U.S. Attorney’s sources. Smith, another employee charged with this project. This could be a very lengthy Office said. Moore also told another “Areas such as the one impacted by participating in the dredging activity, and costly process if environmental im- person to create a false statement to the this unlawful conduct are extremely im- did not appear in court. pact statements and other documents are Corps about the dredging. portant to the citizens of North Carolina Their plea agreements require required.” CJ Ballance Feted, Then Prison

By DON CARRINGTON Ledger-Advance newspaper. Thelma Executive Editor Adamson of Windsor said the event RALEIGH was sponsored by a group of Ballance’s riends of former U.S. Rep. Frank friends, but she would not provide any Ballance sponsored a “friendship names. She said one of the friends paid luncheon” for him, featuring co- for Gregory to attend. Fmedian and civil-rights activist Dick She said any further questions Gregory, on Dec. 3 in Murfreesboro. would have to be answered by the The event took place at Nebo Baptist committee, but she refused to identify Church. committee members and hung up the In October, Ballance, a Democrat phone. In November 2004 Ballance and former 1st District congressman, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to com- was handed a four-year prison sentence mit mail fraud and money laundering. for personal use of state money, which Nebo’s pastor, State Sen. Robert Hollo- he had obtained in grants for his non- man, did not return a phone message profit organization, the John A. Hyman seeking further information. Memorial Youth Foundation, while he Holloman was also named in the was a leader in the state Senate. He was Ballance indictment, but he has not scheduled to report to the federal prison been charged with any crimes. Hol- in Butner before Dec. 30. loman was elected in 2002, taking the An announcement for the lun- state 4th District Senate seat vacated cheon event appeared in the Bertie by Ballance. CJ January 2006 CAROLINA  Washington JOURNAL

NC Delegation Watch Opinions differ on whether project derailed

Jones gets challenger Wording of Dole-Burr Letter Distresses TTA Greg Dority, a Washington, By KAREN WELSH N.C. Republican who twice ran for Contributing Editor the state’s 1st Congressional District RALEIGH seat, announced last month that riangle Transit Authority Light he would challenge fellow party Rail Transportation officials are member Rep. Walter Jones for his disappointed and confused over 3rd District office. Dority said he Tthe negative letter sent by U.S. Sens. decided to run against Jones because of Jones’ stance on the war in Iraq. Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr to “A lot of the genesis of this was Carter Worthy, chairman of the TTA’s the change in position by Walter,” Board of Trustees. Dority told the Washington Daily Until July 2004, Dole had sup- News. “A lot of people feel that he’s ported the 28-mile, $800 million light-rail flip-flopped his position.” project designed to connect Durham, Jones in recent months has Research Triangle Park, Morrisville, said that he wants President Bush to Cary, and Raleigh. “I commend Triangle make plans and set a date for begin- Transit Authority for securing the funds ning the withdrawal of American to improve its operations,” Dole had said soldiers from Iraq. in a press release. “Expansion of services, “What I do support is a pub- particularly the completion of a light lic discussion of our goals and the rail system, will greatly benefit Triangle future of our military involvement residents and local businesses.” in that country,” Jones said. “The Although phone calls to Dole’s resolution I am cosponsoring will do office in Washington, D.C. and Raleigh no more than call on the president were not returned, it appears by the to set a plan and a date to begin latest letter that both she and Burr are reducing the number of troops we backing down from the proposed transit This Triangle Transit Authority map shows the proposed route of the TTA’s light rail have in Iraq.” system. project between Raleigh and Durham via the RTP. (TTA map) “I support President Bush 100 “The FTA notified us and other Craig Newmark, associate profes- County Taxpayer’s Association, agreed percent in the war on terror, in which congressional offices that the agency sor of economics at the University of in an open letter on the Internet. Iraq is one campaign,” Dority said had thoroughly examined the rail project North Carolina, Chapel Hill said that “When is the proper time to stop in August. and concluded the proposal will have an given the data, the senators did the right a runaway train? Anybody with just a He ran against Rep. G.K. But- overall low rating,” the North Carolina thing in writing the letter. The evidence little common sense would say, “before terfield in 2004, and against former senators wrote. “This means the initia- and reasoning for not pursuing the it wrecks,” Capps said. “Now is the time Rep. Frank Ballance in 2002. tive does not meet the current required light-rail system in the Triangle area is for citizens to rise up in force and say standards, nor the former standards. on target, Newmark said. ‘halt’ to a system that will end up costing Due to this determination, FTA informs “With all the research, I believe you taxpayers billions, and will do nothing us that the regional rail project will can characterize that light rail doesn’t to get people where they want to go, not receive approval to execute pend- N.C. Reps Battle Kelo work in populations that aren’t densely reduce traffic congestion, or improve ing contracts, nor will it be eligible for populated like New York City and Chi- the environment (otherwise) this will federal funds for construction at this U.S. Reps Sue Myrick, 9th Dis- cago,” he said. “It’s a very expensive be the biggest white elephant the area time. For now, these points—combined trict, Robin Hayes, 8th District, Pat- proposition, but is only beneficial to a has ever known and will become a huge with FTA’s statement that they are not rick McHenry, 10th District, Virginia tremendously small group of people. It sinkhole gulping up massive tax dollars optimistic that these problems are re- Foxx, 5th District, and Walter Jones isn’t cost-effective, and I think Sens. Dole that are badly needed for other essential solvable—means that the rail project is cosponsored the Private Property and Burr were conveying their skepti- services.” likely not an option for the region; we Protection Act in November. cism. They were saying think about it Claflin said the rail’s critics are therefore believe it is time for TTA to The Act is in response to the before spending the money.” shortsighted. Once the rail system is explore other possibilities.” Supreme Court Ruling in Kelo v. New Local political activists Gary built they will love it, he said. London, and would prevent govern- In response, TTA General Manager Pearce and Carter Wrenn also discussed Federal funds the TTA is trying to ments from using eminent domain John Claflin said the agency is going Dole and Burr’s letter on their Talking acquire come from a portion of the gas to take private property away from full-steam ahead on light rail. About Politics website. They said the taxes that North Carolina drivers pay at people and businesses in the name Claflin said he couldn’t under- letter was a strong signal for the TTA the pump and the money can be used of economic development. stand why the missive was sent, since to give up on light rail. only for transit systems, he said. “The Supreme Court’s rul- it isn’t either senator’s responsibility to “These folks have been burning “North Carolina is considered ing in this case was dead wrong,” fund the project. through taxpayers’ money for 10 years a donor state,” Claflin said. “A large Myrick said. “This bill makes sure “We were disappointed with Sens. and it’s time they stopped,” Pearce and share of our gas taxes go to other states the federal government doesn’t Dole and Burr came up with this letter,” Wrenn wrote. “Senator Dole and Senator to use. If the money doesn’t come back give a penny to local governments Claflin admitted. “We were confused Burr gave the TTA some good advice: to North Carolina, it will go to another if they steal private property based that they sent the letter, because it’s pre- Move on. When the federal government, state. If we are approved for the funds on this ruling. mature. We were also confused because which normally has never seen a pork- it will guarantee the money will be dis- “It’s time to get back to com- it’s the Federal Transit Authority’s (FTA) barrel project it doesn’t like, says your tributed back to the state. That means mon sense policies, and this bill is a responsibility to fund the project.” project is a waste of money, it’s time to more jobs for us. My argument is, why large step in that direction.” Claflin said the TTA is on target in give up. Washington never blinked at The bill stipulates that if any working with the FTA after they were $10,000 commode seats or bridges to shouldn’t we get $400 million for our state or local government violates recently notified some of the TTA’s data nowhere. But now Washington says projects here? That money was paid by the Act, they would get no federal was insufficient, giving the project a low Raleigh’s light-rail project doesn’t make North Carolina citizens, and right now economic development funds for rating, thereby keeping Triangle light rail financial sense. Mayor (Charles) Meeker, it is going to other states.” two years. out of this year’s presidential budget. it’s time to give it up. Spend the money In the long run, Claflin said that The bill passed the House by a However, the TTA was given until where it will do some good—like the a new light-rail project will save on vote of 376-38. CJ Sept. 30, 2006 by the FTA to come up with Outer Loop or new schools.” day-to-day operational costs of the sufficient data in order to be reconsid- J. Russell Capps, member of the TTA and that it will stimulate economic ered for next year’s budget. N.C. House and president of the Wake development in the Triangle. CJ CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL CJ Interview  Tweaking Liberal Dominance in Academia is Mike Adams’ Forte

By CAROLINA JOURNAL STAFF nists talking in the be able to do that, diversity is how it began as a promise to RALEIGH office just about a did they? increase black representation on campus. ike Adams is a criminology month ago, and For example, at UNC-Wilmington, we professor at the University of one of them was Adams: No, looked at it, our diversity problem, and North Carolina at Wilming- talking about how they fought that. said, “Well, we have 6 percent blacks on Mton, and writes a popular column for she didn’t agree. And they came campus. We need diversity initiatives Townhall.com, in which he specializes I walked up on up with different to increase that.” After one million of in tweaking liberal dominance on col- them during this rules, and they spending down at UNC-Wilmington, lege campuses. He recently discussed his conversation and decided that these the black percentage dropped, after a writings and university life with Carolina she said, “Well, we crisis pregnancy million dollars, from 6 percent down to Journal’s Donna Martinez. are talking about centers, at least 4 percent. And at that time, you looked you right now. We the one we have around and all you saw was that di- Martinez: Since people might not are talking about in town, were versity had taken the form, now, of gay be aware of your work, we should let your column, and overtly Christian. activism. They’d switched groups. And them know that you are a conserva- I want you to know So they shot us what you recognize is, in this shift to a tive working in academia, which is I don’t agree with a down on that ba- new favorite group on campus — and dominated by liberal folks on campuses. single thing you’ve sis, and then sub- clearly there is a lot more emphasis on What is that like — to be that one lone ever written, but sequently started alternative lifestyles today; there used person? it’s intoxicating, to promote gay to be a much greater emphasis upon it’s fun.” And I Mike Adams, criminology professor at web sites, which race and there’s been a big shift — along Adams: I like it a lot. I mean people said, “Yes, isn’t UNC-Wilmington. had essays about with that has been endorsement of a always ask me — how do you survive? that something? Jesus coming back new university religion known as moral And, [the answer] is tenure! Actually, Now, do you remember in the era 10 to Earth as a gay activist in San Francisco. relativism. the fact of the matter is, the thing that or 15 years ago, before we had speech I’m not even joking. They would allow We’re doing some funny things to probably gives me the most protection is codes, when we used to debate, how in church advertisements, ads for gay combat that, and that’s been my favor- the column because I have, quite frankly, much could be fun if you use a sense churches. They would allow Christianity ite change in the diversity movement, a much bigger reading audience than of humor and never really lose your to be presented on that web site — as long because it’s so easy to debate these the chancellor. And so that keeps me in temper?” as it was advancing the liberal agenda. people who always call you a liar but there. But the other question is — why So I had one of my first controversies on don’t believe in the truth. For example, do you want to be in there? And the fact Martinez: You mentioned femi- my campus with the feminists, recogniz- I’m going to be running a column soon of the matter is, I like it. I like being sort nism, and you see a lot of examples of ing that they are willing to do anything in conjunction with the Leadership of an institutional gadfly, and I’ve always radical feminism, where in my opinion, — distort the rules, engage in ideological Institute out of Washington, D.C., and thought that a public university is not a it’s really just teaching young wom- discrimination and religious discrimina- we’re going to be sponsoring a thing place where you have a right to be unof- en some things tion — to keep a called Marry Anything Day. And this fended, or should even have a desire to they’re going to situation on cam- has happened on campus, where we’ve be unoffended. It should be a place of find out down the pus where they actually had on some campuses — we’ve constant debate and tension. road really are not “I like being sort of an talk about pro- tried this out — where we’ve had an true. institutional gadfly, and choice by limiting ordained priest, and someone will come Martinez: What is it like for you the choices. up and say “I want to marry these three with your colleagues? A d a m s : I’ve always thought that people.” People say, “I want to marry That’s right. M a r t i n e z : this dog,” and it’s funny making fun of Adams: The funny thing about it is a public university is not Ironic, isn’t it? this “anything goes” moral relativism, that, when I first came out of the closet, M a r t i n e z : this gay marriage effort that’s being if you will, and started writing, and ini- Tell me about some a place where you have Adams: It is promoted on our campus. tially wrote some columns for the Agape of your experienc- absolutely ironic Press — a small Christian newsletter es with feminism a right to be unoffended, and hypocriti- Martinez: Haven’t you done those out of Tupelo, Mississippi, and I am a and feminists. or should even have a cal. And I sort of similar types of things in terms of racial native of Mississippi. I started doing that learned some im- preferences? You wrote a column talking a few years ago, and they went crazy A d a m s : desire to be unoffended.” portant lessons about how people would be charged a when I first started writing the columns. When I did come working with the certain amount for a certain product But then over the years, as I started to out of the closet, Prof. Mike Adams feminists on cam- based on whether they were a female write for Town Hall or Front Page and if you will, my UNC-Wilmington pus, and one of or what their race was, or things like for a number of print publications, and first free-speech those is that sun- that. started to speak around the country, it controversy was light is not always has gotten to a point where they couldn’t with the Women’s the best disinfec- Adams: Oh, yeah, I actually had avoid actually reading the columns. Resource Center at tant, as Justice done a column on my new affirmative And, they are seeing a very consistent UNC-Wilmington, Louis Brandeis action grading policy of just giving away theme that is popping up throughout and I’ve had some later with the Carolina once said before the United States Su- points, taking them from whites and the columns. And that is, that I am sin- Women’s Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. preme Court. The fact of the matter is, giving them to blacks, for example. But I cerely making an effort to expand, not But my first free speech controversy, sometimes you have to sue. think you’re referring to the cookie bake to contract, the marketplace of ideas. So which was very minor, was one where sales that have been disrupted by college they recognize, well, you know, maybe I was simply trying to get them to not Martinez: What about this issue administrators all across the country. if I were in trouble and my speech were speak entirely about abortion when of moral relativism? I know that’s a A couple of the things I’m going to be threatened — which is hardly theoreti- it came to feminism. That’s almost all frequent theme in your columns. working on with the Leadership Institute cally possible on my campus if you are that they talk about — reproductive in the future is to get, for example, a Na- a liberal — but they realize that under choice — and they talk about it from a Adams: Oh, sure, sure it is. It’s tional Change Your Ethnicity Day, where no circumstances would I try and shut narrow perspective. My first encounter something that pops up. I’m getting a people just become the race or ethnicity them down, and I might even defend with them was trying to get them to whole lot of support recently at speeches, that they feel like, just like [University them. So, there is a greater number of add to all of their Planned Parenthood from black students, who might have of Colorado at Boulder Professor] Ward liberal readers on my campus. And re- literature on the website and addresses been there thinking, “He’s against di- Churchill, in order to get special benefits. cently, a funny thing happened where and phone numbers — [I] tried to get versity, blah blah blah.” They hear what We’re going to continue to simply make someone actually brought up my col- a crisis pregnancy center added to the I have to say, and one of the reasons fun of them constantly and it’s really fun umn in a department meeting and said equation. why I’m starting to get a lot of support to be a revolutionary on campus, but something positive about a point that I from black students is [that] one of the you can only do it if you’re conserva- had made. And, I heard a couple of femi- Martinez: They didn’t want you to things I talk about in my lectures on tive. CJ January 2006 CAROLINA  Education JOURNAL

State School Briefs Survey gauges attraction

Durham buys laptops Charters Create Choices for Teachers, Too Durham school system ad- ministrators presented county By JIM STEGALL wrote that one of the great things about School in Swannanoa, wrote that the commissioners with a $15.9 mil- Contributing Editor teaching at her charter school was “being teachers he hired when the school was lion budget request increase in RALEIGH around a bunch of creative professionals just starting up were “the explorers the spring , but the commissioners harter schools, originally con- who are strictly there for the experi- who could see beyond the horizon” and approved $6.4 million. ceived as vehicles for offering ence of teaching.…” Many others cited said that he thought there were better One of the items requested by more choices to parents, are a the family atmosphere of their charter ways to educate children waiting to be the school district — but not funded Cboon to teachers who seek professional schools as reasons to stay. “We have real discovered. He reports that the school by the commissioners — was a $1.1 fulfillment unavailable in the regular relationships with parents; two of my is in its fifth year and that he interviews million proposal to equip every public school system. The variety of parents in my prime group came to my more potential teachers who have dif- high school- and middle-school missions, styles, and educational phi- wedding,” teacher Beth Edwards said. ferent expectations. “In our advertising, teacher with a laptop computer. losophies featured by the state’s 99 Of course, not all charter schools we have found that we must change our Though they failed to receive charter schools provide some teachers are the same. A key idea associated with strategy to some degree because we are the funding for the laptops from with the opportunity to escape the charters is that each school is organized, now hiring settlers‚ who must tame a commissioners, school officials are standardization and one-size-fits-all staffed, and run according to its own land already discovered.” going ahead with the idea. In the last approach employed by most regular specific educational focus. With such a Teachers report that the biggest few months, the district has bought school districts. variety of programs and educational phi- disincentive to joining a charter school 572 laptops for middle- and high- So say nearly 100 charter school- losophies at work, it is becoming much staff is lack of money. Some teachers in school teachers in core academic teachers who responded to an unscien- easier for teachers to find schools that the survey expressed irritation at the subjects, and spent $675,000 in do- tific survey this fall, which sought to suit their own strengths and interests. amount of time and effort they must put ing so, The Herald-Sun of Durham gauge teachers’ reasons for choosing For instance, Union Academy in into helping their schools raise money for reported. to ply their trade in charter schools, Monroe has a focus on teaching basics to buildings and facilities. The state does That’s causing a rift with the rather than at traditional district-run mastery, using the arts to enrich the entire not provide funds to charter schools for county manager and commissioners schools. The survey was made avail- curriculum, and character education. these purposes, so each school must find chairwoman, who say the schools able to all charter schools in the state, While that approach appeals strongly to ways of paying for the necessities on its will face extra scrutiny when they and teachers from at least 18 charters its highly committed staff, it isn’t neces- own. In addition, pay at charter schools ask for money in the future. responded. The results show that by an sarily the place for everyone. Teachers is typically less than that at regular overwhelming margin, the teachers are interested in working in a charter school schools. Like a private business, each happy with their decisions to teach at need to examine the school’s focus and charter school sets its own policies on charter schools. Seventy-three percent mission statement carefully before mak- pay, so the governor’s recent teacher pay said their experience exceeded their ing the decision to join. Tammy Davis, a increase program had no immediate ef- Mecklenburg looks to Wake initial expectations, while only 4 percent teacher at Union Academy, warned that fect on charter schoolteachers. However, Two counties. Two record expressed disappointment. prospective charter school teachers “... as regular public school teacher pay in- school bond votes. Two resounding In the survey teachers were asked must make sure that the charter of the creases, competitive pressure may build defeats. Mecklenburg is still strug- what first attracted them to the idea of school matches your own mission.” An on charter school administrators to offer gling to respond to the “no” mes- teaching at a charter school. The replies Evergreen Academy teacher who iden- their own staffs more compensation. sage county voters sent Nov. 8. were too diverse to categorize neatly. tified herself only as “Amy” wrote, “If Across the state teachers are start- Wake’s experiences may pro- Some were interested in a particular pro- the charter fits with your philosophy on ing to realize that more choices for par- vide direction. gram featured by the school, a favorite education, then it is likely to be a very ents can also mean more (and potentially In 1999, the Charlotte Ob- curriculum, or the particular educational rewarding experience.” better) choices for them. As teacher Meg server reported, Raleigh-area vot- philosophy outlined in the school’s The need to attract the right kind Masterman of Thomas Jefferson Clas- charter. Several teachers reported that of staff to a particular charter school sical Academy wrote, “Many public ers rejected a $650 million school they had been recruited to their new poses a challenge for the charter school school employees see us as the enemy‚ construction bond package after schools by other teachers or administra- administration. Dr. Tony Horning, but I think this is slowly beginning to opponents said it would result in tors whom they knew and respected. executive director of ArtSpace Charter change.” CJ steep tax increases. Others were drawn to their schools by Wake school leaders respond- the prospect of smaller class sizes, better ed by changing how they did busi- student discipline, or the promise of a ness and how they built schools. A greater measure of independence in the year later, voters overwhelmingly classroom. approved a $500 million bond pack- But underlying the specific reasons age that shrank the planned schools given was the desire to be part of an and cut out computer and technol- educational system that actually works. ogy replacements. Comments on the surveys reflect a gen- People in both counties say eral belief among charter schoolteachers Wake’s approach could help Meck- that what they are doing was making a lenburg come back from the ballot- positive difference in the lives of their box defeat of its $427 million bond students. This sense of professional package and build schools more fulfillment is a powerful incentive for efficiently. some, and has convinced many teachers “I think they’re an excellent that charters are the way to go. example,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Melissa Haynor, a teacher at Frank- school board vice chairwoman Kit lin Academy, wrote that she would “give Cramer said. “Evaluating why up teaching and pick a different career things didn’t go the way you want before I ever taught at a [non-charter] them to, addressing them and ar- public school again.” Teacher Pat Veen- riving at solutions” make sense, ema wrote of her charter school, “This is, she said. by far, the best place I have ever taught. Wake officials say the voters’ I am not tired at the end of the year! I rejection forced them to realize enjoy coming to work. And, for the first they hadn’t successfully made their time in my career as a teacher, I am not case. CJ thinking about changing careers.” Another teacher, Merideth Fisher, CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL Education  Dropping Enrollment Doesn’t Commentary Bring Decrease in Administrators NCEA Had Productive 2005

By KAREN WELSH administrator to its roster. s the new year dawns, our proactively advocated for reform, Contributing Editor Despite a thriving business econo- thoughts are drawn to the through expert testimony and RALEIGH my and population base, Craven County inexorable progression of research publications. In 2005, I hile record school enrollment Public Schools, situated in another rural Atime. Benjamin Franklin once said addressed the Joint Legislative is making headlines in urban area in eastern North Carolina, lost of time’s passage, “You may delay, Education Committee on the topic areas of North Carolina, many about 1,000 students from 1997-98 to but time will not.” Fortunately, the of deconsolidation, a practice gar- Wschools elsewhere around the state are 2004-05 school years. The school system new year offers all of us a chance nering national attention due to the losing students. Most of the schools added six top administration officials, to start anew, to reflect on mammoth size of many continue to add top administrative posi- bringing the total from 18 to 23 during the past year and prepare school systems. The Al- tions anyway. those years. for the year to come. liance also weighed in New positions include superin- Craven County has added 200 At the North Caro- on the hotly contested tendents, associate superintendents, students in the 2005-06 school year, lina Education Alliance, issue of education managers and officials in public school however, school officials don’t know a look at 2005 reveals funding. systems in districts where the student how enrollment will change in the next a productive and fast- North Carolina’s enrollment has either decreased or re- few years, public relations Director Janet paced year. As the state’s education funding mained static between September 1997 Furman said. “We’re kind of atypical,” pre-eminent education lawsuit, Leandro, (along and September 2004, according to statis- she said. “Our school attendance is resource network, the Al- with media reports) tics compiled by the N.C. Department of based on squadrons in or out of Cherry liance kept North Caro- has fueled abundant Public Instruction. Point in Havelock. linians abreast of all the misunderstandings A total of 58 Our pupil number latest K-12 innovations Lindalyn and misconceptions out of 115 school fluctuation had to and developments. My Kakadelis about school finance. districts, mostly in “Our school attendance do with the mili- weekly journal, sent out Our new brochure, rural or suburban is based on squadrons tary base and the electronically to hundreds “Paying the Price: Real areas, have suf- number of squad- of educators and activists across the Facts about Education Funding in fered a depressed in or out of Cherry Point rons located on the state, and our web site kept people North Carolina”, sets the record economy and de- base. Our student abreast of news about student straight with timely data on our creased population in Havelock. Our pupil population can achievement, teacher quality, edu- state’s financial investment in K-12 and school enroll- grow in the hun- cation funding, and school choice. education. ment. Thirty-three number fluctuation had dreds with the The Alliance also helped What will 2006 bring? We of the 58 negative to do with the military additions of new frame the education policy debate will continue to provide you with growth districts squadrons.” in our state, through both print the latest education information, have added both base.” S o m e media and public forums. In 2005, through the Carolina Journal col- top and regular schools in North Alliance editorials promoting umn, electronic newsletter, and administrative po- Janet Furman Carolina that ex- education reform were published informative web site. In addition, sitions. Craven County Schools perienced a slight in a variety of newspapers and you can expect a range of new Most notably, growth in en- magazines, while my monthly reports and events. The Alliance Roanoke Rapids rollment added Carolina Journal column provided will partner with the Washington, Public Schools, in several adminis- valuable information for parents DC-based Institute for Justice to Halifax County, trative positions. and educators. Alliance speakers produce a report detailing our state experienced a decrease of 300 pupils, or Significantly, that’s the case in Durham addressed school board meetings, constitution’s favorable language 10 percent, in its small district of 3,000 and Cleveland County Public School civic clubs, and charter schools, and toward school choice. Representa- students from 1997-2004. The number Systems. participated in talk radio and tele- tives from both groups will canvass of top administrative positions climbed The Durham County School Sys- vision programs and informational the state, disseminating this little- from five to 12 during the same time tem, with 31,039 students, grew by only workshops. known but vital information. period. about 500 children from 1997-2004. Yet, As the “eyes and ears” of The Alliance will also weigh Enrollment in Wayne County 21 top administrators were added to reformers around the state, the in on school bonds. Crowded Public Schools fell from 20,133 students the system. Alliance carefully monitored policy schools across the state mean vot- during the 1997-98 school year to 19,535. The Cleveland County School Sys- developments at the State Board ers in many counties must face However, the system added two top tem merged with the Kings Mountain of Education, as well as legislative larger and recurring school bond administrators to its staff, bringing the and Shelby City School Systems in 2004. proposals in the legislature. Alli- referenda. We will host an event total to 24. As separate schools they had a collective ance staff attended monthly State addressing the financial implica- Wilkes County Public Schools of 26 top and 57 regular administrators, Board meetings, reporting back on tions of school construction and remained steady in enrollment for the including principals and associate prin- regulations affecting public schools. bonds, and promoting funding same period, but added eight top ad- cipals. The merged system now employs When Gov. Mike Easley proposed alternatives. We will also continue ministrators to its rolls. 36 top and 66 regular administrators. shifting supervisory authority for to monitor legislative activity dur- Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, Franklin County, having a student the Division of Non-Public Educa- ing the Assembly’s “short session,” with a 2004 student population of 18,353, body of about 8,000, gained 620 students. tion to the Department of Public beginning in May. endured much the same fate, but added The county increased its number of top Instruction, the Alliance moved As we move into the new 11 top administrative positions since the school administrators from 18 to 28. quickly to inform citizens, activists, year, please partner with us to 1996-97 school year. Comparatively, Lenoir County, and homeschooling parents. This work for change, improving educa- Although a larger school system, with a school enrollment of 9, 987, cut change had the potential to greatly tion for all of North Carolina’s Buncombe County experienced vir- back from five to two top administrators impinge upon the freedom of home schoolchildren. There is much still tual flat growth from 1997 to 2004, yet during the same time period. or other schools operating outside to do. CJ the school system, with about 25,000 Despite steady yearly raises in the governance of the state public students, increased the number of top federal, state, and local funding, every school system. Fortunately, the pro- administrators from 14 to 25. district cited for increases in the number posal evaporated after an effective On the other end of the spectrum, of top administrators also increased the mobilization of public dissent. the Johnston County Public School Sys- percentage of their budgets used for base In addition to tracking Lindalyn Kakadelis is director of tem—which experienced a boom from salaries, while the percentage of student legislative proposals, the Alliance the North Carolina Education Alliance. 19,000 students to more than 26,000 from supplies, materials, and instructional 1997 to 2004—did not add a single top equipment declined. CJ January 2006 CAROLINA 10 Education JOURNAL

School Reform Notes Does it serve Christian families?

Reform for CMS Schools Grassroots Baptists Assess Public Education A dramatic set of recom- mendations unveiled recently says By HAL YOUNG “[Mission boards] require extensive Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Contributing Editor training and rigorous preparation before must become more responsive, less RALEIGH they send an adult into a culture hostile hamstrung by politics, and more esolutions introduced at the last to the Gospel. Why, then, do some of focused on learning, the Charlotte two national Southern Baptist us feel that our 7-year-olds are ready to Observer reports. conventions calling for a move- take on a fight which we wouldn’t send A 16-member task force Rment toward “thoroughly Christian their parents to?” backed by the city’s business education” rather than for continued He also challenges the financial leaders calls for keeping the Caro- support for public schools have stirred assertion, saying the SBC has the re- linas’ largest school system as one only meager support from Southern sources to make these alternatives more countywide district, but dividing Baptist churches. attainable. “The theology of this is not it into three or four parts. Each Cosponsor of the resolutions, complicated; we just don’t want to do would have the power to hire staff, Bruce Shortt, a Houston lawyer and it,” he said. handle discipline, and decide how Southern Baptist layman, helped found Though the proposal received only to teach kids. an organization called The Exodus Man- qualified support at the 2005 convention, Task force members also want date to encourage parents to reconsider several state conventions have reported radically different high schools and whether public education truly serves favorably on it this year, including adop- more stable student assignment. the concerns of Christian families. His tion in Texas. “It was a unanimous vote,” They’re pushing to reform resolutions praised the contributions of Shortt said, “totally a non-issue.” a school board many consider Southern Baptists working in the schools Rev. Mark Creech of Raleigh uses dysfunctional. Among the goals: but urged parents to choose “thoroughly the same language, but puts a different fewer members, less squabbling, Christian education” over purely secular “For evangelical Christianity, the spin on it. and a new election system where alternatives for their own children. public schools have become our golden “It’s simply not an issue,” said candidates get nominated by dis- With more than 4,000 congrega- calf—nobody wants to say anything Creech, executive director of the Raleigh- tricts and selected by voters across tions in North Carolina, one might expect against them,” Shortt said. “Our mes- based Christian Action League. Creech the county. Southern Baptist churches to be at the sage is that parents have a responsibility has written his strong support for the forefront of Christian schools in the state. to provide a Christian education—and resolutions, but in North Carolina Bap- That’s not the case, however. not just occasional attendance on Sunday tist circles, “I seem to be a lone voice,” he According to the Southern Baptist or Wednesday night.” said, noting that the state convention is Sex ed? Systems vary Association of Christian Schools, about The head of the denomination’s not following others states’ example. 600 schools are sponsored by South- largest seminary, Dr. Al Mohler, agrees. Indeed, until the convention week Mark Kadlecik’s health class- ern Baptist churches and associations itself, neither Exodus Mandate nor room at East Chapel Hill High This summer he wrote that “now is the nationwide. Southern Baptists lag far time for responsible Southern Baptists NCBSC leaders seemed aware of any School looks pretty typical, down to behind other denominations in their effort to promote the resolution here. An the “Your Brain on Cocaine” poster, to develop an exit strategy from the effort to expand Christian educational public schools,” citing cultural and cur- attempt to introduce the proposal from The News & Observer of Raleigh re- alternatives, the association’s executive the floor was never recognized as the ports. But next semester, Kadlecik ricular changes that have made schools director, Ed Gamble, said. While there sometimes hostile to Christian principles new business session broke up early. will do something that would be are more than 450 religiously based The NCBSC’s executive director taboo in most schools outside the and beliefs. schools in North Carolina alone, only Nevertheless, North Carolina’s acknowledged their difficulty. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School 30 are listed on SBACS’s website, and “We have a certain amount of time system. Using a model of the male response has been dismissive. A month just 10 of those are members of the before the 2004 convention, the NCBSC allotted for bringing new business,” reproductive organ, he will teach organization. Cummings said. “When that time ex- 10th-graders the right way to put issued a statement supporting parental Mitch Cummings, the new ex- choice in education but reaffirming “the pires it may not have been possible to on a condom. ecutive director of the North Carolina present it.” The condom demonstration historic value of public schools and Baptist State Convention, confirms that those who seek to ‘bring salt and light’ Without a strong direction from is just one way the Chapel Hill- impression. Like the national Southern the SBC leadership, The Exodus Man- Carrboro school system departs by participating in them.” (The Biblical Baptist Convention it supports, the state Recorder, May 21, 2004). The run-up date and SBACS are moving forward from the state’s philosophy on sex association has chosen to focus more to address the need independently. In education. to the 2005 convention in Winston-Sa- on supporting public schools rather lem focused on internal politics and a October, Exodus introduced a “home- School systems in which than leaving them, or providing an schooling family to family” initiative contraceptives are discussed more controversy over churches with liberal alternative. stands on homosexuality—but little on to encourage active homeschoolers to openly — the “comprehensive” “The independent Baptists and consciously promote home education to approach to sex education — also education. unaffiliated churches are strongly SBC President Bobby Welch, other parents. This month, SBACS will are required to tell students that represented in the Christian school start a series of streamlined, two-day abstinence is the only foolproof way who has called the public schools “our movement, though,” Cummings said. largest and best mission field in North seminars called “christian schooling to avoid pregnancy and sexually “There has been a proliferation of 101” to help churches gain a vision for transmitted diseases. But when it America,” has opposed the measure, church schools, and certainly we want telling The Florida Baptist Witness that starting new schools. Part of it is simply comes to discussing birth control, to encourage that, but we don’t want to display a small-is-OK perspective abortion and even sexual orienta- taking Christian kids out of the school to be too critical of the public schools system “flies in the face of what we to pastors worried about burdensome tion, teachers in comprehensive all at once. There are so many Southern expectations. sex-ed school systems can be much need to be doing by reaching this world Baptists involved with public schools, with the Gospel.” He has also said it is “Somehow we’ve bought into more direct. the convention is not going to go too the notion that a Christian school is In 1995, the state started re- unrealistic, because “private education far or be too critical.” is not practical or affordable for many supposed to look like a public school,” quiring all school systems choosing Members of the SBC are calling for Gamble said. “Nothing could be fur- the comprehensive route to hold families.” a more critical look at public education, Shortt said he thinks this logic is ther from the truth, historically.” He public hearings and make all lesson though. said concerns about building and sup- material open to parents’ review. In disingenuous, pointing to studies that The resolutions met surprising suggest the schools do more to mold porting large programs right away is the Triangle, only the Durham and opposition, from SBC President Bobby an unnecessary obstacle and doesn’t Chapel Hill-Carrboro districts have students’ beliefs than students can do to Welch on down, though Shortt says the influence schools with theirs. “You can address the real need, anyway. “How gone through that process. CJ ensuing discussion is more important only say ‘salt and light’ so many times many kids are in the average home than an up-or-down vote. before it becomes ridiculous,” he said. school?” he asked. CJ CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL Education 11 As Arts Education Funding Shrinks, Others Stepping In

By PAIGE HOLLAND HAMP performing arts company called Heart- Contributing Editor bandit Productions, hopes to change that RALEIGH dynamic. Denman founded HeartBan- he North Carolina Symphony, the dit in 2002 because she saw a need for Carolina Ballet, the N.C. Museum students to have a performance arena of Art, and hundreds of other arts in which to develop poise and self-con- Torganizations offer the state’s citizens fidence without being ensnared in the a wide range of high-quality arts. But competitive, praise-seeking performing the arts can also play environment that is prominent today. an important role in In addition to Denman’s extensive educating children. performance experience in concerts According to What and on stage and television, she holds Americans for the master’s degrees in psychology and Arts, 89 percent of Works biblical studies. Americans think arts “Heartbandit is dedicated to train- education is a criti- Best ing young men and women to develop cal component and and use their God-given gifts and abili- should be included ties in the areas of music, drama, oral in school program- interpretation, dance and speaking for ming. In addition, research shows that the enjoyment and edification of oth- children who participate in the arts for ers and for the glory and pleasure of From left, Julia Hurst, Lauren Bell and Sarah Hargett in the Heartbandit production, at least three hours on three days each the greatest of all Heart Bandits...Jesus “The Christmas Wish” (Submitted photo) week through at least one full year are: Christ,” Denman said. four times more likely to excel in academ- Heartbandit is a privately funded in them.” an environment for kids to learn and ics, three times more likely to be elected nonprofit organization. Denman runs The results can be amazing. develop and write plays that would to class office within their schools, and it on a shoestring and, much to her Children who on the first day of class enhance that development, he said. four times more likely to participate in board’s chagrin, contributes a signifi- are so shy they barely interact offstage ‘That’s what I want you to do.’ The rest a math and science fair. cant amount of her own resources to suddenly find their voice, become a is history.” Numerous studies done by the every performance. While she is frugal, character, and confidently stand on Heartbandit’s last two produc- National Endowment of the Arts, the she does not compromise the quality stage delivering their lines. Overbearing tions, “A Christmas Wish” and “Patriots U.S. Department of Justice, and state of the educational experience for the children learn to work cooperatively on the Homefront,” which was primarily and local arts councils have shown that children who are part of the company. with others. All of Denman’s students written by one of Denman’s students, the arts can have a significant impact on She believes in building on students’ learn that they can achieve if they are both present moral challenges that her student achievement. individual strengths and sees value in committed. characters must overcome. Over the past several years as every child. Denman not only teaches, but also The characters Denman creates funding for the arts has been cut at tra- When asked what creates their serves as the director and the musical have integrity, perseverance, caring, ditional schools, parents have sought strong devotion, Denman said, “I don’t director. She often writes original scripts respect, trustworthiness, and a strong high-quality arts programming for know except I love them and am com- for the company. “Soon after I created faith in God. their children after school and during mitted to seeing them grow, develop, be Heartbandit, I realized there was a real Not only do the young actors she summer break. all God created them to be. I see more dearth in material, plays, musicals, etc., works with mount a full-scale produc- However, sometimes, with high- potential in them than I think most adults that were a combination of fun, moral, tion, they do everything from acting quality arts comes a cutthroat com- see. I push them to be what I see each imaginative, thought-provoking and to lights, sound, and props. They also petitiveness that hinders the educational of them can be and it surprises and I character-building,” Denman said. “So, learn valuable character education value the arts offer. Marajen Denman, think, thrills them. But most kids love while I was complaining to God one lessons. The scripts are crisp with a founder and director of an innovative people who love them back and believe day that someone ought to create such balance of comedy and drama. CJ January 2006 CAROLINA 12 Higher Education JOURNAL Course of the Month Congressional Leaders Examine BCS System

Yogi, Boo-Boo and Duke By SHANNON BLOSSER Staff Writer This month’s selection is from CHAPEL HILL 2005-06 BCS Bowl Game Payouts Duke University. It was brought to nly days after USC and Texas Below is a list of the 2005-06 BCS Bowl Games and payouts our attention by a former student, were selected in early Decem- who described the course to us as per team and conference breakdowns. Payouts per team go ber to play in the Rose Bowl to the individual conferences. The Rose Bowl has its own “rather funny and sad,” “the only Oto compete for the national football class I am ashamed of taking,” and championship, congressional leaders contract with the participating conferences. “so absurd!” A history major, the called a huddle to question whether student was deeply offended by the Bowl Championship Series was the Total Revenue: $96 million this course’s “blatant disregard for best way to conduct the Division I-A anything resembling true history or postseason. Amount to Be Distributed: $89.2 million intellectual inquiry.” The heading was called by the Base Share: $14.87 million The course is Religion 161H: House Committee on Energy and Com- Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma, merce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, which is about “the yoga of aware- Trade, and Consumer Protection and ness” founded in the late 1960s by centered on whether the BCS and bowl Distribution by conference (with representation) “Harbhajan Singh Puri, a Sikh and system included enough conferences ACC (Florida State) - $18.32 million Kundalini Yoga master, [who] left and whether the bowl system could be Big East (West Virginia) - $18.32 million his lucrative job in India and and altered to include a NFL-type playoff began teaching Kundalini Yoga Big Ten (Penn State, Ohio State) - $22.28 million system without harming academics for Big 12 (Texas) - $14.86 million and Meditation to hippies in Cali- the student-athletes. Bowl and confer- fornia.” ence representatives who testified dur- Independent (Notre Dame ) - $18.32 million The course syllabus has sec- ing the hearing argued that the bowl SEC (Georgia) - $18.32 million tion titles including “The Glands: system was the best system for college Pac-10 (USC) - $14.86 million Guardians of our Health,” “The football, allowing for nearly 50 percent Digestive System,” “The Circula- of the programs to compete in the post Source: Bowl Championship Series, USA Today tory System,” “The Brain,” “The season and providing economic benefits Spine,” “The Kidneys,” and “Love to the communities that host the bowl Your Liver!” games. host of events, including parades, bas- in the Rose Bowl unless they are selected Yogi Bhajan suffered from This is the second time a congres- chronic illness and heart disease ketball tournaments, and other sporting to play in the national championship sional hearing has been conducted to events, social events, and charitable game. That agreement also allows the before his death in 2004. He was question the Bowl Championship Series, honored post-mortem with a decla- activities.” Rose Bowl to host the game once every an agreement forged in 1998 between the One of the criticisms of the current four years. ration of Yogi Bhajan Memorial Day ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, in New Mexico by Gov. Bill “That bowl structure is that 48 percent, or 56 Cliff Stearns, chairman of the Rose and SEC as well as the Fiesta, Orange, Division I-A programs, will participate Bowl Management Committee, said that Stuff I Said About Being Drafted Rose, and Sugar bowls to have the top by the A’s Was Just a Boo-Boo” in bowl games this season. Only 20 a playoff would harm the Rose Bowl and two teams in the BCS standings play percent of college basketball teams, for traditions centered around events such Richardson. in a national championship game each CultNews.com reported that both men’s and women’s, advance to as the Tournament of Roses Parade. year. the NCAA tournament. “We believe a playoff system Bhajan “was repeatedly accused Committee Chairman Rep. Joe Bar- of exploiting female devotees and “What is wrong with rewarding with assigned teams would undermine ton, R-Texas, said the hearing, which was winning teams with a post-season trip the essence of the Big Ten and Pac-10 once sued by his personal secretary inspired after the controversies of last for ‘assault and battery.’ The case for the players and fans?” Fox said. champions participating in the Rose year’s BCS selections, was scheduled for “Perhaps Auburn head coach Tommy Bowl game and will adversely affect the was quietly settled out of court.” earlier in the season but was postponed In 1974 Bhajan prophesied the Tuberville said it best in August 2003: ‘I 117 years of tradition of the Pasadena because of Hurricane Katrina. In opening like the bowls because it rewards a lot Tournament of Roses Association, both following, “In another 10 years hos- statements, some committee members pitals will have iron windows and of teams in college football… I’m totally in our presenting America’s New Year on both sides of the aisle questioned against a playoff.” Celebration and in the economic vitality people will try to jump out. There why Congress was getting involved in will be tremendous sickness. There However, some congressional that it brings to the City of Pasadena and the college football postseason. members, including Rep. Tim Murphy, the greater Southern California area,” will be unhappiness and tragedy “I do think it’s important that we on earth.” He said: “You remember R-Pa., wanted the system improved to Stearns said. “We would not support any are having these hearings,” Barton said. avoid controversial situations and to system that would diminish the prestige when five years ago I used to say “We’re not going to introduce a playoff that 1974 would be a lesson, and include more lower-conference teams. and the luster of the Rose Bowl game or bill after this hearing.” Since 1998, Utah is the only school from a work toward elimination of our playing none of you perhaps believed it? According to the organizers of the See what 1974 has brought you? non-BCS conference to earn an invitation the conference champions of the Pac-10 BCS, the system will pay more than $96 to a BCS bowl game. The Utes defeated and Big Ten on or about New Year’s Day It has brought you gas at 69 cents, million to conferences this season. That energy crisis and everybody is get- Pittsburgh in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. in Pasadena, Calif., each year.” includes nearly $90 million to the six Murphy joked during his remarks, The last point of contention was ting crazy.” founding conferences and $5.1 million At the conclusion of his 1974 saying he was unsure whether the fed- if a playoff system would hurt aca- to smaller Division I-A conferences. An eral government didn’t design the BCS. demic standards at the institutions that prophecy about what the next 10 additional $1.8 million would be paid years would bring, he said, “Your “I hope this system can be cleaned up participate in the postseason. Bowl of- to members of Division I-AA confer- so that the best teams can play,” Mur- ficials said adding games to the season dead bodies will lie on these roads, ences. your children will be orphans, and phy said. through a playoff would keep students Economic impact from the 28 bowl Some of the bowl representatives out of classes longer. Most bowl games nobody will kick them, rather, peo- games is estimated at $1.1 billion, Foot- ple will eat them alive! There will and college officials who testified fo- are played during the semester recess ball Bowl Association Chairman Derrick cused on the long-standing relationships between the fall and spring semesters. be tremendous insanity. That is the Fox testified. time we are going to face.” CJ some conferences have with certain “There are a number of presidents “The bowls are more than football bowls. The main focus of those conver- and chancellors who would prefer to ter- games during the holiday season,” said sations was the Rose Bowl, which has minate the BCS rather than compromise Big 12 Commissioner Kevin Weiberg. John Locke Foundation Research more than 50-year relationship with the academic integrity, the strong traditions The Big 12 Conference is the coordinat- Pac-10 and Big Ten conferences. When of our conferences, or reduce the impor- Editor Jon Sanders scouts out the ing office for the BCS this year. “They Course of the Month. the BCS was formed, the Rose Bowl tance of traditional bowl games,” Uni- are civic celebrations that may center entered into a separate agreement that versity of Mississippi Chancellor Robert around football games, but include a keeps the Pac-10 and Big Ten champions Khayat said. CJ CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL Higher Education 13 Committee Report on President Commentary of HCC Expected After Holidays Mandatory Student Fees Should End ost people don’t like to objected to being compelled to fund By SHANNON BLOSSER and closing school programs without be compelled to pay for a group they regard as working Staff Writer the approval of the Halifax Community things they don’t want. against their interests, and the fact CHAPEL HILL College Board of Trustees. Gasper and MTaxpayers rarely think, “The that they got to have a “say” in it committee investigating allega- his secretary, Faye Pepper, have been government sure is taking a lot by virtue of the referendum was no tions against Halifax Communi- placed on paid leave of absence while of the money I earn, consolation. They sued. ty College President Ted Gasper the investigation is conducted. but I trust that in the Federal district Ais expected to make final recommenda- Portions of the committee’s work wise judgment of the judge David Hurd tions on his future with the school after is expected to include a report in Octo- politicians, the money decided the case Nov. Christmas and New Year’s Day. ber by the State Auditor’s Office that is being spent for the 10. He ruled that the The holdup by the committee, a examined some of the allegations made greatest overall good, students were entitled spokeswoman with the North Caro- against Gasper and his administration. so I’m content.” Quite to a refund of that part lina Community College System said, That audit found evidence of more than a few revolts in history of their student fee that occurred when the panel tried to inter- $15,000 in questionable payments made have been sparked by went to NYPIRG and view Gasper. Several interviews were to Gasper for fringe benefits and travel the perception that that the referenda could canceled before a three-hour interview as well as board members at Halifax taxation was mostly no longer be used in was conducted in executive session Community College approving a new funding high living for allocating money to Nov. 30. college for Gasper without knowing the favored few. campus groups. A report has been sent to the state specific details of the contract. Mandatory stu- The facts of the community college system, however, According to the report, Gasper’s dent fee systems are a subspecies case clearly supported Hurd’s posi- members of the investigative committee new contract included provisions that of the taxation beast. Most colleges tion. Whereas the leftist NYPIRG are still expected to send an amendment his term of employment be increased and universities these days have received $106,000 in 2003-04, the to the report to include the statements from two to four years and increased established a policy of adding on to conservative group Collegians for made by Gasper during the closed the buyout amount to $375,000 should the tuition, room, and board, and a Constructive Tomorrow received hearing. Gasper be fired without cause. Gasper other education-related fees, a “stu- $1,200. “There has been a little lull,” the never produced a copy of his contract dent fee” that provides the school While this decision is a step spokeswoman said. for board members to examine before with a substantial pot of money, in the right direction, it still leaves Gasper has been under investi- they voted on the document. which is doled out among various about as much gray area as be- gation by the committee since it was The audit suggests that board student groups fore. There is formed by the State Board of Commu- members seek repayment of the $15,000 on campus. a solution to nity Colleges to examine more than 70 of questionable payments. That money Exactly how this problem, allegations of misconduct. Some of those included $12,755 in insurance-related the money is Mandatory student fee but it isn’t one charges have included using school fringe benefits that did not have support- divvied up systems are a subspe- that the judi- resources to conduct political activities ing documentation. CJ varies, but the ciary should principle is the cies of the taxation impose. The same as taxa- solution is for tion: We’ll take beast. schools to end your money, their manda- FIRE Releases Thought-Reform Guide and then other tory student By BRIAN SOPP Lorence and Silverglate write that people will fee systems. Editorial Intern “mandatory diversity training, in its decide how it’s spent. The central objection to RALEIGH more extreme forms, as it is done on Over the years, student fee mandatory student fees is that they niversities routinely threaten many campuses today, likely infringes systems have led to plenty of litiga- encourage student organizations to students’ freedom of conscience, unconstitutionally on a student’s indi- tion. In the leading case, South- adopt a socialistic mindset, think- says the Guide to First-Year Ori- vidual right to believe.” Similarly, the worth v. University of Wisconsin ing that they are entitled to support Uentation and Thought Reform on Campus authors contend that limiting discussion Regents, the Supreme Court held from a coercively obtained fund recently released by the Foundation for and silencing dissent in the classroom that mandatory student fee systems of money. Mandatory student fee Individual Rights in Education. “clearly cross the line between education had to be operated on a “viewpoint systems are a small-scale version neutral” basis. That is to say, with- of pork-barrel politics at the state The fifth and final Guide in FIRE’s and indoctrination.” out discrimination in favor of some and federal level. It would be much Guides to Student Rights on Campus is The guide informs students of their political parties or philosophies healthier if colleges and universi- co-authored by Jordan Lorence, a First rights in each of these instances by dis- and against others. And just like ties sent a capitalistic message to Amendment litigator and senior counsel cussing the judicial history of freedom the Supreme Court’s 2003 decisions students — if you need money for for the Alliance Defense Fund, and Har- of conscience. The guide highlights on the use of racial preferences in something you want to do, look to vey A. Silverglate, a Boston civil rights the 1943 Supreme Court decision West admissions, Southworth leaves a your own capabilities. lawyer and member of FIRE’s Board of Virginia State Board of Education v. vast expanse of gray area for uni- Student organizations have Directors. Barnette, in which a Jehovah’s Witness versity officials. many ways of raising money. They “Censoring speech is bad enough,” objected to a law requiring students to Legal gray areas usually don’t have to wait for the authority the authors write in the introduction, salute the American flag. The court ruled lead to disputes and that was the in charge of student fees to hand “but requiring people to adhere to, and in that case that the U.S. Constitution case recently with the student fee them some cash. even to believe…in an official, orthodox protected “the freedom not to believe in, system at State University of New Morally and legally, schools ideology is completely incompatible or even mouth agreement with, secular York at Albany. would be making the right move with a free society and is the hallmark and religious orthodoxies approved by Each student at UAlbany is if they abandoned mandatory fees. of totalitarian social control.” those who happen to be in power at any compelled to pay $80 per semes- One of the best lessons they can The authors contend that colleges given time.” ter into a fund, which is allocated teach their students is that activi- and universities often deprive students ACLU President Nadine Strossen among campus groups according ties should be paid for voluntarily and professors of their freedom of con- called the Guide to First-Year Orientation to a student referendum. As a result by people who value them, not by science by imposing policies such as and Thought Reform on Campus “both of the most recent referendum, $5 those who have no choice. CJ mandatory diversity “training,” speech groundbreaking and empowering.” of each student’s fee went to the codes, the use of nondiscrimination poli- Paul K. McMasters of the First Amend- New York Public Interest Research George C. Leef is the executive cies to suppress certain student groups, ment Center said the Guide “should be Group, a left-wing activist organi- director of the Pope Center for Higher and mandatory psychological counsel- required reading for college officials and zation. Several UAlbany students Education. ing as punishment for offenses. faculty everywhere.” CJ January 2006 CAROLINA 14 Higher Education JOURNAL Course of the Month Maloney’s Documentaries Expose Top 10 Nuttiest Campus Events Liberal Bias in Higher Education in North Carolina in 2005 By SHANNON BLOSSER attacks. It’s one of the quotes that flash Contributing Editor across the screen. CHAPEL HILL After a few quotes Maloney he holiday season is full of public university, the whole cam- van Coyne Maloney experienced said, “How did our campuses get this traditions, one of which is pus is a free speech zone per the academic bias in higher education way?” the Pope Center for Higher Bill of Rights and North Carolina’s firsthand as a student at Bucknell “It’s my perception that the envi- TEducation Policy’s annual Top 10 Constitution. EUniversity in Pennsylvania. At the time, ronment in higher education has become Nuttiest Campus Events in North 4. You’re All North Carolin- he thought the bias he encountered in the more hostile to free speech,” Maloney Carolina for 2005: ians Now! A neat budget provision classroom was limited to Bucknell. said in the interview. 10. A Department of Re- passed this year would allow out- That is until he read Illiberal Maloney said he thinks higher dundancy Dept. The University of of-state students on full scholarship Education education has always had elements of North Carolina at Pembroke wants to count as “in-state,” thus allowing by Dinesh bias because academia attracts profes- to build a school of UNC schools finally to D ’ S o u z a sors who have liberal ideology. He also optometry, even though circumvent that hated and saw said recent publicity of controversies in a 2000 study by the out-of-state enrollment how stu- higher education is helping to show that American Optometric cap — and make ath- dents at there is a problem. Society predicted that letic scholarship funds other col- One of the reasons for more public- there would be 3,500 last longer, too. leges faced ity of cases of academic bias, Maloney optometrists out of work 3. You Can NEV- s i m i l a r said, is because of changes in the media by 2010. ER Be Diverse Enough. situations. environment. The creation of cable 9. Shut the Door! East Carolina created a Now, 11 news networks and the Internet allows Public Business Being new position of assis- years after Evan Coyne Maloney, pro- more opportunities to publicize bias in Conducted. Once again, Jon tant to the chancellor for M a l o n e y academia, he said. Sanders ducer/director of “Brain- a University of North institutional diversity graduated washing 101” “Now you get people, like me, Carolina presidential despite already having from Buck- that just follow the news as a matter of search gets mired in controversy an entire Office of Institutional Di- nell, he is educating others on academic course,” Maloney said. over whether officials violated versity and diversity offices within bias through a series of video documen- Maloney said he gets his informa- North Carolina’s Public Records three other campus offices. Several taries. The documentaries have received tion about various cases for the docu- Law. UNC schools created more “task critical acclaim. mentaries by examining cases that have 8. Is That Your Final Solu- forces” for diversity. A political sci- Maloney’s series on higher educa- had some form of litigation. Not all of tion? In October, an adjunct pro- ence professor with UNC-Asheville tion is entitled “Brainwashing.” There the cases, he said, have gone to court that fessor listed on the faculty page actually said, “Classes are hard have been two installments “Brainwash- he has looked at in the videos. of N.C. State’s African American to teach because you have only a ing 101,” and “Brainwashing 201: The “You are much more able to say Studies Department announced on white perspective.” Second Semester.” “Brainwashing 201” with surety what’s going on when there C-SPAN: “We have to exterminate 2. What Do You Mean, recently won the Best Short Film Award are dispositions,” Maloney said. “In white people off the face of the Against the Law? WE’RE the at the Liberty Film Festival in October. some cases it’s not possible.” planet.” Lawmakers. Four candidates for In an interview with Carolina The goal in each documentary 7. Fork Over and Shut Up! In the UNC Board of Governors, in- Journal, Maloney said that he has been for Maloney is to present both sides of March, 71 faculty members wrote cluding the sole Republican on the interested in higher-education issues a situation and let viewers decide for a public letter in The Daily Tar Heel list, were removed from the Senate since he was an undergraduate. themselves what to think. He said he has urging UNC-Chapel Hill to cease ballot right before the vote, leaving “I’m a news junkie,” Maloney said. had difficulty in getting some professors negotiations with a donor, the John — conveniently — eight choices for “I would always follow the different and university officials to speak to him William Pope Foundation, whom the eight slots. The House ballot scandals that would occur in higher on camera. the university approached to fund also had only as many names as education.” “That’s the problem we face most a Western Civilization program. there were slots to fill. State law His successes have also brought acutely,” Maloney said. “We don’t have The letter cited faculty members specifies that there must be “at least with it notoriety as the conservative enough of the perspective of other being left out of the process, wor- twice the number of candidates for version of Michael Moore. Maloney said people. ries about donor influence on the the total seats open.” he understands the marketing value of “I would love to include [the aca- university, and the fact that the 1. And Next to UNC Hos- the line used by the media in previous demics’] perspective. If you’re willing to donor funds conservative critics of pitals We Have the New Center articles about his work. give it, I’m willing to put it on film.” the university. for Rehabilitating John Edwards. “I do respect the quality of work Maloney said his work is not 6. Zionists and Neo-Cons Three short months after the 2004 that Michael Moore does,” Maloney said. intended to force academia to have a and Scares, Oh My! N.C. Wesleyan election, the UNC-Chapel Hill “I don’t want to be seen in necessarily perfect balance between the number College’s only political science pro- School of Law announced it had the same light as him. He occupies his of conservative and liberal professors fessor, Dr. Jane Christensen, taught created a “Center of Work, Pov- own space and I think he should be left on campus. He said he just wants con- a course called “911 The Road to erty and Opportunity” and named alone in his own space.” servatives to be treated fairly. “I don’t Tyranny,” which taught the events former U.S. Sen. and losing vice In “Brainwashing 101,” Maloney think there has to be a 50-50 balance of Sept. 11 from a heavily conspira- presidential candidate John Ed- opens with a look at what higher educa- or a perfectly representative balance,” torial view that the events were wards as its head. At the time of tion was in America several years and Maloney said. “It won’t bother me if orchestrated by the Bush admin- the announcement, Edwards was in decades ago. Maloney, who narrates there are more liberals than conserva- istration, perhaps at the behest of New “First Presidential Primary” the film, discusses how colleges and tives as long as the conservatives are Zionists. Christensen called critics Hampshire addressing a Democrat universities were built on the same treated fairly.” of her course “neo-Nazis” – and fund-raiser. Impressively, UNC offi- traditions and philosophies in which As for the rest of his career, Malo- declared the Nazi Holocaust “the cials avoided smirking while telling the United States was formed. Then, the ney is unsure how much longer he wants greatest hoax of all.” media that Edwards’ selection was video highlights higher education today to focus on higher education. “I don’t 5. Presumably the Rest of not about politics. CJ by showing controversial quotes from think this is an issue I want to spend my the Campus Is the Tyranny Zone. various professors in academia. entire career looking at,” Maloney said. UNC-Greensboro designated two “Anybody who blows up the Pen- “There are so many people who have spots on campus as “Free Speech Jon Sanders is research editor for tagon gets my vote,” University of New made careers on this issue and under- Zones” — forgetting that as a the John Locke Foundation. Mexico professor Richard Berthold said stand every nuance of higher education in the moments after the Sept. 11 terrorist more so than I ever will.” CJ CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL Higher Education 15 It didn’t work for economies, it won’t work for schools Let’s Abandon Any Notion of Using Central Educational Planning

By GEORGE C. LEEF that it’s not suf- with low pay highly questionable. The military man- RELEIGH ficient just to ex- will be avail- ages to train high school students (and ocialism is based on the idea that pect that people able for people seldom the smartest among them) to government officials need to plan will pursue their who don’t have do difficult jobs, often dealing with the economy. The production and own self-interest college degrees sophisticated equipment. It’s also true Sdistribution of goods and services can’t and make the in the near fu- that many successful entrepreneurs be left to the supposed anarchy of the educational in- ture. U.S. De- have weak formal educations. Schools free market, but must be deliberately vestment that’s partment of La- aren’t the only places where people can organized by economic “experts.” De- best for them. We bor projections learn things. cades ago, socialist advocates argued need active gov- for the decade Second, there are reasons for those passionately that with central planning, ernment with 2002-2012, how- “disparities” that government policies the economy would be much more pro- programs calcu- ever, indicate can’t do anything about. Kelly briefly ductive, and also much more fair, than lated to ensure that there will notes that “only half of African-Ameri- if it were left to Adam Smith’s invisible that the greatest number of people get be very large job growth in many fields can and Hispanic ninth graders are even hand. college degrees, particularly those in where a college degree is of no impor- eligible to enter college after four years The socialist case for central eco- minority groups. tance. Some of those jobs currently pay because they have not completed high nomic planning is by now pretty much To begin with, Kelly’s fundamental quite well — truck drivers, for example. school,” but fails to explore why that’s a relic of history. Aside from a few assumption is wrong. There isn’t any Others don’t pay very well — ground- the case. Several black scholars, such as die-hards who have too much invested necessary relationship between edu- skeepers, for example. But people will sociologist John Ogbu, contend that the emotionally to give up on central eco- cational attainment levels and income be hired to fill them, and the pay will be trouble lies in black youth culture, where nomic planning, no one with a grasp of levels. While it is true on average that the same whether the individual has a studying is dismissed as “acting white.” either economic theory or history still people with college degrees have higher college degree or not. Ogbu found that there are enormous advocates it. incomes than do people without them, it Most of “As America Becomes black-white (including Asians) academic Like a virus that continually does not follow that if we take someone More Diverse” concentrates on the differentials even when the families had changes to retain its potency, the central who didn’t go to college and put him “educational attainment gaps” between the same high economic status. planning argument has morphed into through enough courses to get a degree, various population groups. “Hispan- No government policy can change new forms and one of them is the idea his earnings will automatically rise. ics, African-Americans, and Native that. We have set things up in the United that governments need to engage in Whether they do depends on what he Americans are under-represented at States so that academically able young- central educational planning. A recently learns and demand in the labor market each stage of the educational pipeline sters can almost always find the financial published paper entitled “As America for people with his skills. — indicating that most state systems support they need for their educations. Becomes More Diverse: The Impact These days, many students go to of higher education are doing a poor If, owing to cultural factors, some people of State Higher Education Inequality” college, take a lot of easy courses, and job addressing these disparities,” Kelly are more inclined to take advantage of (published by the National Center for graduate with little educational gain writes. And since those population those opportunities than others, there’s Higher Education Management Systems from high school. After getting their groups are the fastest growing, we must no point in implementing governmental with support from the Lumina Founda- degrees, they settle for jobs such as sell- get more of them into and through col- policies to bring about equality. tion) takes this position. ing video games. The idea that having lege. Otherwise, the country will face Let’s abandon the notion that the Author Patrick Kelly writes, “For a college degree guarantees a high- or declining income since we won’t have United States needs to have central edu- many states, raising educational attain- even moderate-paying job is mistaken. enough well-educated people to keep cational planning. CJ ment levels depends upon their ability If governments manage to lure kids up with international competition. Or to address the education needs of par- into college who have little aptitude or so we are to believe. ticular race/ethnic populations.” Kelly interest in academic work, they won’t First of all, the implicit premise would have us believe that state (and enjoy rising prosperity. that people are tightly constricted in national) economic progress is directly Kelly also repeats the common their ability to perform work by their George C. Leef is executive director of tied to “educational attainment” and idea that nothing but menial jobs formal “educational attainments” is the Pope Center for Higher Education.

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The Carolina Journal Radio Network includes these fine affiliates: Albemarle/Concord WSPC AM 1010 Saturdays 11:00 AM Asheville WZNN AM 1350 Saturdays 1:00 PM Boone/Lenoir/Hickory WXIT AM 1200 Sundays 12:00 PM 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 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 January 2006 CAROLINA 16 Local Government JOURNAL Town and County The Healing Place Provides Road to Recovery Court rules on zoning By MIKE ROUSE who have decided to join Contributing Editor the program. They are no On Nov. 15, the N.C. Court RALEIGH longer one-nighters. They of Appeals ruled on two cases con- t isn’t because they can’t earn rent have spent three to five days cerning the interpretation of local money that most homeless people in the Healing Place’s own zoning restrictions. In both cases, live on the streets. detoxification clinic, and the court held that the localities had I Nor do they prefer to. now they are full-fledged acted incorrectly because they had For most street people, choice has residents in the part of the misdefined key terms. been supplanted by addiction. Foolish program called: In 1997, BellSouth Mobility behavior, usually starting in youth, has • Phase One, or Off applied for a permit to put up a cell sunk them into a way of life that offers the Streets phone tower in Henderson County. little hope of happiness, usefulness, or Living conditions at The parcel it wanted to build on independence — no hope at all unless this plateau are slightly bet- was zoned as a “low-density resi- they will muster extraordinary disci- ter than a metal bunk — one dential district,” a classification that pline and humility. of the inducements — but The Healing Place in Raleigh treats addicted men using a three-stage progression that has proven effective. also allows for “public utilities” to In Raleigh, an institution called The the client who decides to build “public utility stations.” The Healing Place of Wake County brings stay for the cure will walk a million cost of construction. ordinance did not specifically define addicted men together and separates the mile and a half to classes on Wilmington The Healing Place director, Den- either term. ones who are willing to try. Then it sets Street. At noon he will walk another mile nis Parnell, says the hospital figures its The Henderson County Zon- them on an arduous, highly regimented and half, and back, for lunch. When investment has paid off. The Healing ing administrator granted BellSouth road to recovery. classes are over he will walk the mile Place has a clinic beside its detox center, Mobility a permit and the company It starts with temporary refuge. The and a half back to the shelter. That’s six and homeless men needing medical help soon erected the tower. Several lo- Healing Place will offer a night’s shelter miles of walking a day — good exercise go there, whereas they used to flock to cal residents, however, protested to a homeless man regardless of whether and good for helping rid the body of the Wake Med’s emergency room. the administrator’s decision. The he is drunk, stoned on dope, or sober. residue of dope and alcohol. Parnell, a graduate-degree social Henderson County Zoning Board Any who want to come will be bused For these three to four months, worker, is an ex-Wake Med staffer. He of Adjustment ultimately ruled from a pick-up point on Wilmington he is in a motivational program called was a member of its trauma team and against BellSouth Mobility, finding Street to the Healing Place campus on Recovery Dynamics, which educates was helping put together plans and that it was not a public utility and Goode Street, a mile-and-a-half west of him about addiction. He also must money for the Healing Place in the late that cell phone towers were not the old business district. faithfully attend meetings of Alcoholics 1990s. The number of homeless people public utility stations. The Court Each morning 153 men, on average, Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or in Raleigh had spiked around that time, of Appeals overturned the zoning wake up in Healing Place beds. After Cocaine Anonymous. and they were putting the squeeze on board’s decision. breakfast, most go back out into the hazy Responsibility is part of the facilities that had to serve them, such as The Court of Appeals also world of deep addiction. cure, too. Everybody who lives in the hospitals and jails. rejected as “unreasonable” a defini- But not all. The Healing Place of- Healing Place has duties — building As some civic leaders were con- tion of “façade” the city of Charlotte fers them hope, too, and some of them maintenance, laundry, yard work, or templating the problem, a nurse had told had used to require an automobile hang around for a bigger portion of that. whatever. hospital officials about something called dealership to take down a rooftop If a man sticks with the plan, it will take Ultimately, assuming he doesn’t The Healing Place of Louisville. him at least eight months, and perhaps fail any of the random drug tests and sign. The Raleigh folks visited Kentucky longer than a year, to shake loose from have to start all over, the resident ad- Charlotte’s sign ordinance to look at it, and they used it as the basis his addiction. vances to the final stage: prohibits rooftop signs. Rooftop for their own plan — modified with the The Healing Place is for men only, •Phase Two, the transitional physical design that became a part of signs erected before Feb. 1, 1988 but there are addicted women on the phase the program. may, however, remain in place street, too. To get there, a resident must Parnell was asked to take over as until there are “[s]tructural or The program is based on the 12- have been sober for six months, and executive director. He and other com- nonstructural alterations excluding step plan of Alcoholics Anonymous, good comportment has its rewards. He mittee leaders then made a pitch to the routine maintenance and repair of but with a couple of extra hooks. All now moves to an area of the specially hospital and set up lunches with other the facade of the principal build- through the course, a Healing Place designed building where he can share heavyweights. ing that exceed 50% of the façade’s resident is encouraged by the lure of a suite and bath and can enjoy regular On Jan. 15, 2001, the facility opened area,” at which point the sign must nicer chores, more private quarters, more mattresses and box springs. with no mortgage and with the first come down. independence. He spends more time with his year’s operating expenses in the bank. In early 2003, Town & Country And the possibility of sobriety family; he begins looking for work; he Sixty percent of the revenue is from Ford, which has had a sign with the is never out of his sight. He is exposed begins looking for housing on the out- county agencies such as the ABC Board. dealership’s name on top of a large constantly to what might be called up- side if he needs it. The rest comes from corporations, foun- canopy that runs the length of the perclassmen working, studying, and He also serves as a teacher in the dations, individuals, and churches. front of the building since the late resisting the temptation to drink or use Recovery Dynamics program in ex- Fund-raising is so successful that 1970s, remodeled. After the work drugs. change for room and board and a weekly the Healing Place goes into each year was complete, the city cited the All of that is by design. Design, stipend of $50. with money on hand for the entire year. dealership for violating the sign or- in fact, has a large part in the plan. The This part of the program lasts Allen Reep, who has been the develop- dinance, finding that the front of the building was laid out to accommodate three to nine months, depending on the ment director for nearly five years, says canopy was the building’s façade the progression of the clients from the client’s needs. he is working on the 2007 budget. and that more than half of it had time they say yes to the program to the Then the ex-hobo will take a last Movers and shakers have recruited been changed in the remodeling. time they advance to graduation. stroll past a circular seating pit in the support from other movers and shakers. On appeal, the Court of The progression works like this: back yard of the Healing Place, in the That’s how things have been moved Appeals found that the city had • Overnight shelter semi-surrounded space in the U of the and shaken. misdefinined “façade.” The city This is where they come to spend a U-shaped building. Early advocates of the Healing relied upon a second definition of a night off the streets. They sleep in metal, As he walks through the center of Center, in addition to Parnell and “façade” as being a false front. The double-deck bunks with thin mattresses. the building to the front door, he will county human services Director Maria court noted that the dictionary defi- Thirty-six of these bunks line the walls pass a plaque bearing the names of the Spaulding, included Fred Barber and Jim nition of “façade” in architectural of a big room. people who made the Healing Place Goodmon of Capital Broadcasting, and usage (and the first listed definition In the center, there are beds with possible. It is a Who’s Who of corporate Goodman’s wife, Barbara, an energetic in the dictionary the city relied thicker mattresses, surrounded on three Raleigh. and forceful community activist. The upon) is the face of a building. CJ sides by walls that are waist high. These At the top of the list is Wake Med, News & Observer of Raleigh has given almost-private beds belong to men which gave $2 million toward the $4.5 financial as well as editorial support.CJ CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL Local Government 17

‘No silver bullet’ Commentary Study of Urban Transportation Zoning vs. Planning n the world of local politics, noth- every block. in N.C. Cites Revenue Needs ing elicits more confusion among Planning, on the other hand, the public than the elaborate is a process that sets the growth By MICHAEL LOWREY fund, which often assures work is com- Ibureaucracy of zoning and plan- pattern in the form of a Land Use Associate Editor pleted sooner than would otherwise be ning. Economic developers say you Plan and as such, is not an ordi- CHARLOTTE the case. commission to examine the have to have it to recruit businesses nance, but a suggestion. Having state’s urban transportation despite the fact that there is no proof a land-use plan in place is a good needs issued its findings and Closing the funding gap that it’s true. idea that melds well with potential Arecommendations in early December. Most North Carolina coun- development without the need for The commission noted that clos- If adopted, the proposals could radi- ties already have it, much to the restrictive and costly zoning regu- ing the funding gap would not be easy consternation of prop- lations. cally alter how the state addresses its and that no single silver bullet existed highway needs. erty owners who now The Center for Lo- to do so. have to navigate the cal Innovation recently The creation of the Blue Ribbon “Given the magnitude of the state- Commission To Study North Carolina’s halls of zoning offices released a survey of wide funding shortfall, it is clear that no Urban Transportation Needs was au- to do anything on more than 600 business single funding, financing, or policy solu- thorized by the General Assembly in their own property. leaders from across tion exists to solve all of the challenges 2004. The commission conducted nine Vance County the state in which they facing North Carolina’s large and small hearings across the state before releasing has been undergoing were asked about their metropolitan regions. Rather, a host of its final report to the legislature Dec. 6. the agony of zoning perception of regula- solutions — implemented in concert in Rep. Drew Saunders, D-Mecklenburg, implementation for tions in the state. Nearly each region, based on the region’s unique and Sen. Wib Gulley were the original the past three years. 81 percent of those needs — will be required to prevent a chairmen of the 26-member commission. I say agony, but the leaders viewed current decline in mobility in the State.” Gulley resigned before the commission truth of the matter regulations as not being Unlike earlier efforts, the commis- finished its work. is that things were justified on a cost-ben- sion issued specific recommendations North Carolina’s population is rather calm until July, efit basis. that went beyond merely temporarily growing rapidly, the commission noted, when a 50-page zoning docu- We also asked whether they shifting money between accounts and and the number of miles North Carolin- ment was supposed to have been thought that the costs of compli- amount to more systematic reforms. ians are driving is growing even faster. presented to the commission, but ance had risen or fallen over the This includes that the General As- A lot faster actually: Miles driven is wasn’t made available for public past 10 years. A total of 82 percent growing at about 1.4 times the rate of sembly “review the components and inspection. thought that regulatory compliance population growth. As an increasing distribution region boundaries of the By November, what had costs had increased during that proportion of workers live further from current highway funding allocation been relatively smooth sailing for time. To be fair, there are far more formula to insure that both urban and their jobs — more than half of Stokes the staff, county manager, and the regulatory compliance issues than rural transportation needs are being met and Franklin counties’ workers, for ex- commission turned into a cadre of zoning alone. for the near- and long-term.” Whether ample, commute to jobs in other counties activists opposing the supposed The real issue with zoning is and to what degree the legislature will — urban traffic woes threaten economic “need” for zoning. In truth, the that once in place, it almost always be willing to address the issue remains growth in the state as a whole. county already has neighbor- becomes more tedious and compli- to be seen. Unfortunately, the state does not hood ordinances and could easily cated. Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilm- The panel also suggested “leg- have enough money to address all of its enact covenants on a case-by-case ington, and others have complex islative authorizations for transporta- already identified transportation needs. basis that would allow for the al- zoning ordinances that almost re- tion or infrastructure revenue options Transportation needs exceed available leged benefits of zoning (aesthetic quire legal degrees to understand. implemented at the municipal, county resources by $30 billon over the next 25 appeal, environmental impact, This complexity becomes even or multi-county level.” Such new taxes years. The Triangle’s funding shortfall buffers, etc.) without the loss of more onerous when one has to deal should be directly linked to transporta- alone totals nearly $8 billion over the freedoms to property owners. with a variety of staff that might or tion. next 20 years. I would go on to say that might not interpret those codes in The prospect of additional taxes The commission found that state’s much of the zoning currently in the same manner. may be a hard sell and comes as voters transportation problems extend beyond place across the state does more There are many nuances nationally have become increasingly a lack of resources and includes how the harm than good. Ultimately, entre- within zoning ordinances state- unwilling to support major transporta- state’s limited dollars are used. preneurs and the free market work wide that defy logic and make little Most highway money in North tion initiatives in recent years. While the most publicized recent example was out the aesthetic and business is- sense. I believe the time has come, Carolina is allocated according to set sues that lead to success in commu- or shortly will, when citizens will formulas. The N.C. Department of Trans- the failure of efforts to extend Seattle’s monorail system, numerous other nities much more readily than city begin to push for simplification of portation does not determine the state’s and county planners. zoning ordinances. most pressing road needs to then allocate examples exist. Oklahoma voters over- whelmingly rejected a proposed gas tax It’s important to make a When businesses consider its scarce funds to address them. Rather, distinction between zoning and coming to a town, they want to the formulas determine the amount of increase to pay for road construction in planning, as most folks truly don’t know about schools, crime rates, dollars available to specific parts of the November. Gasoline tax increases were know the difference. Under state neighborhoods, and taxes. If zon- state for specific types of activities, with also defeated by voters at the polls in statute each city and county has ing and planning are complicated funding boundaries often dividing por- Colorado, Oregon, Missouri, Washing- the authority to plan and control enough, they might well be more tions of metropolitan areas into different ton, and portions of Virginia between the use of private property through interested in looking elsewhere. CJ funding districts. Local and state officials 1997 and 2002. zoning, which regulates where uses then determine how to spend the dollars Commission members recom- and development may locate. available to an area. mended a number of other methods to As such, it’s easy to see that The funding formulas themselves help the state address its road needs. do not change over time and often rep- Toll roads and high-occupancy toll lanes zoning affects personal freedom. resent political compromises reached were endorsed as possible solutions to The main selling point of zoning is Chad Adams is vice chairman of in 1989 with the establishment of the increase capacity in certain corridors. that it supposedly seeks to protect the Lee County Board of Commission- Highway Trust Fund and the higher The report also recommends that di- the health, safety, and welfare of ers and director director of the Center taxes associated with it. versions of funds from the Highway the general public by preventing for Local Innovation. Visit www. The General Assembly must add Trust Fund to the state’s general fund landfills and chicken houses on LocalInnovation.com. projects to be funded through the trust end. CJ January 2006 CAROLINA 18 Local Government JOURNAL

Local Innovation Bulletin Board From Cherokee to Currituck Rental Cars New Tax Target Wilmington Convention Center On Hold Due to Lackluster Plan n cities across the country, includ- land under the United Nations Plaza ing Charlotte, motorists who rent Hotel. By MICHAEL LOWREY cars are getting hit with a slew of Waste disposal was privatized, Contributing Editor Inew taxes, Avery Johnson writes in private contractors were hired to CHARLOTTE The Wall Street Journal. confirm eligibility for public-housing ilmington’s plans for a new As of August, 44 rental-car tax applicants, and the city contracted convention center are on proposals were pending or approved with check-cashing companies to al- temporary hold, after the by local governments, up from three low people to pay municipal bills at Wbuilding’s proposed new design failed on the books at the beginning of 2004, these locations. to inspire local residents. The city hopes according to Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The city saved $6.2 billion ($776 to proceed once architects have spruced At Chicago’s Midway Airport, for million annually) over Giuliani’s up the design and found a way to add example, a new charge of $3.75 per eight years in office, amounting to more meeting space. day went into effect Sept. 1. about $3,296 per family of four. In mid-November, a city task Overall, the taxes range from 0.8 Guiliani had a firm and unwav- force unveiled a revised design for the percent of the bill to $10 per rental. ering commitment, Savas said. He building, including revisions necessary An extra $10 per day charge can used a combination of threats and to bring the cost to within the city’s almost double the cost of renting an rewards in dealing with large unions, $50 million budget for the project. The economy car in some cases, because yet there were no layoffs. changes included eliminating 10,000 base prices are near historic lows and square feet of meeting space and its High housing costs on the Outer Banks some companies have been running “green” roof. The plan also provided make it hard for local governments to aggressive weekend specials. for a half-acre park on the banks of the recruit. The flurry of taxation is partly Rebuilding old urban areas Cape Fear River. due to the fact that the rental-car “So we’re going to build something the high cost of living in the area. The industry’s trade association was Older cities face serious land- that looks to be a nice facility but is less openings come despite a substantial dissolved in June, leaving it with no use problems. How can a dense urban than our dreams,” Griff Weld, chairman recent county pay increase. effective lobby. area revitalize itself if developers have on a committee on convention center The Outer Banks Community The industry is notoriously to build one lot at a time? design, said at the time to The Wilmington Development Corp. notes that at the fractious, making it harder for com- Should residents of failing cities Star. “But it’s still going to be success- county’s median income of about $58,000 panies to jointly combat tax increases. insist that shopping centers be built ful, and it’s still going to be good for a year, a typical homebuyer should be Also, rental cars are considered ripe only in the far suburbs, displac- Wilmington.” able to afford to purchase a home costing for taxation because more than half ing farms and increasing suburban The plan for City Council was to $174,000. Only 7.2 percent of the more of customers rent at the airport, so sprawl? Must all large housing devel- approve the design Dec. 7. Following than 2,000 houses sold in the county in lawmakers assume they don’t live opments be relegated to the exurbs? negative public comments, the design 2004 went for that price or less. in the town and can’t vote down the There is a better way to give never got that far. The architects were developers access to sizable plots of proposed fee. told to try again Nov. 29. While the park Privately funded arts center? The fees are being levied to pay land in the city: Allow homeowners was a hit, the convention center‘s design to privatize their neighborhoods and for trophies such as stadiums, mu- was widely seen as being generic and A group of Cary residents is pursu- sell en masse directly to developers, seums — and alternatives to renting not the proper statement for the city ing an alternative approach to building the Competitive Enterprise Institute a car, such as monorail systems and and site. a downtown performing arts center. said. rail lines. “I also want to be sure we do some- Rather than having the town fund it, they It suggests that if a group of State and local lawmakers, thing that’s long-lasting and something are trying to raise the money themselves urban owners wished to consolidate many of whom operate under bal- that the community can be proud of, so for the structure. The facility may seat up their properties, they would peti- anced-budget mandates, got hit hard we just have to give it our best effort,” to 1,200 and cost about $30 million. tion the city. A transfer agreement by the recent economic downturn and City Manager Sterling Cheatham said “It occurred to me a year ago that for streets, parks, and other public have become more creative about in announcing the re-redesign. no matter how much people liked the services would get worked out. Then looking outside their constituencies concept, nobody was going to pay for if a supermajority of 70 or 80 percent for funding. it,” Holly Bankoski, a former IBM con- voted to approve, a new private Outer Banks service shortage sultant, said to The News & Observer of community association, including Raleigh. all the property owners, would be Police departments and other gov- To address that sort of need, Town established. ernment agencies on the Outer Banks are Privatization works Council member Jennifer Robinson There would be no cram-down struggling to attract and retain qualified established the nonprofit Cary Com- New York City succeeded in eminent domain; the property owners employees. The problem is the high munity Foundation. The group selected privatizing many city services under themselves, through a supermajority housing cost on the islands, particularly a performing arts center as its first proj- former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani’s vote within their association, would during the tourist season. ect. Foundation officials aren’t sure yet direction. In his book, Privatization in approve any sale. “It’ll probably be impossible to buy how much money they can reasonably the City: Successes, Failures, Lessons, And they would get a price set here,” Nags Head police officer Brian expect to raise. Professor E. S. Savas of Baruch College not by judicial decree but by private Kennedy said to The Virginian-Pilot. “I think it’s going to be a new model cites examples of privatization that negotiation. Proceeds would be di- “Without my mother-in-law sharing for the town,” Mayor Ernie McAlister have taken place in New York despite vided according to the association’s this house, there’s no way we could said to the newspaper. “I was very challenges and union pressures. rules. afford this.” pleased in the shift of expectation from, According to Savas, of the 82 If the owners preferred to stay Kenny shares a rented three-bed- ‘The town should build this’ to, ‘Hey, we privatization initiatives proposed by in the neighborhood, rather than sell room house with his wife, mother-in- all have a stake in this.’” Giuliani, 66 were carried out; contract- out, their new association would law, and two children. Rent is $1,350 Cary officials, however, still plan to ing was proposed and carried out on then function much like a residential per month; Kennedy, who has five years play a role. They envision the performing 32 of 40 proposed services. version of a business improvement of law- enforcement experience, makes arts center in a downtown arts district, The city sold tax liens, its radio district. They could collect assess- about $33,000 per year. which will include a community center, station, television stations, parking ments, for instance, to sweep the The Dare County Sheriffs Office digital media center, parking deck, and a lots and garages, and the city-owned sidewalk. CJ has five vacancies on a force supposed to number 64, in large part because of sculpture garden. CJ CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL Local Government 19 Mental Health Reform Rough Going in North Carolina By SAM A. HIEB treatments and drugs are made. People agency serving Forsyth County and Contributing Editor with manic depression who would be surrounding areas. GREENSBORO hospitalized 20 years ago are now able In a letter outlining the contractual o far, mental health reform in to function in society. obligation with Hope Ridge, Center- North Carolina has not gone But according to NCPY, admission Point said it disagreed with legislation to smoothly. of adult patients increased by 23 percent reform the mental-health system because SA report card recently issued by the since 1999 with a dramatic rise since it would “alter the legal, financial and North Carolina Psychiatric Association March 2004. Admissions of child and service structure of all area authorities said that mental health reform “ran into adolescent patients increased dramati- as a reaction, in part, to the failure of a ‘perfect storm’ of adverse events: un- cally in August 2003, nearly doubling some area authorities to meet established anticipated budget problems, shortfalls between in three-month phases in both performance expectations.” in Medicaid, increase in population, 2003 and 2004. Still, CenterPoint pressed ahead more medically indigent (non-Medicaid) In a memo to local-entity directors with its local business plan to contract consumers needing care, less bridge around the state, J. Michael Hennike, the with Hope Ridge and finalized it in April funding than anticipated, community division of mental health’s interim chief 2005. In September, HopeRidge was hospital capacity not increasing (and of state operated services, let directors bankrupt. Another private contractor, in fact hundreds of bed being closed know that the spike in hospital admis- Telecare, informed its client, Crossroads over the past decade), and the loss of sions would have a profound effect on Behavioral Healthcare, that it would no public sector clinicians (especially psy- their budgets. longer be able to treat its patients, who chiatrists).” Based on the increase in admis- live in Surry, Iredell and Yadkin coun- In a recent two-part series, the sions, the division said it would not be ties. Officials at Telecare told theJournal Winston-Salem Journal painted an equally able to close beds until 2006, a modi- it had lost $700,000 treating Crossroads’ unflattering picture. Services Division of Mental Health, fication that not allow funding for an clients. “The massive overhaul of the Developmental Disabilities and Sub- expansion of community mental health “I guess we’re also hoping that state’s $2.3 billion mental-health system stance Abuse Services, after which the systems. the state and county will be patient began with the best intentions,” the state recommends different divestiture “We are hopeful that as those pro- with us, because we’re one of the larg- Journal wrote. “But four years into the offers. grams that have already been funded est providers that’s tried, and if we’re overhaul, there is little proof that treat- Many of the state’s 30 local entities become operational, admissions to the having difficulties perhaps the issue is ment has improved, and there is growing are in a state of confusion as they struggle State hospitals will decrease. As this the system needs to be adjusted,” Anne evidence that the state’s complex system to make sure it’s both economically and occurs, we will reevaluate our ability Bakar, Telecare’s chief executive, told the of care is worse than ever.” clinically feasible to divest themselves. to fund additional mental health com- Journal. On top of all this the recent bud- In January 2001, state legislation Divestiture of clinical services at the munity expansion proposals,” Hennike geting process was kind to local entities. was introduced to reform mental health entities is a complicated affair. The wrote. HHS was to adjust the number of local care by returning its governance and entities not only have to ensure private There’s considerable doubt among entities to 20, meaning treatment will operations to the counties. But the effort contractors are offering services to pa- many that the new 488,000 square-foot be further regionalized. Until that goal to streamline mental health care has only tients, but also must deal with matters Central Region Psychiatric Hospital, is achieved, entity budgets will have to added another layer of bureaucracy. such as asset transfer and annual leave scheduled to be completed in 2007, will tighten to the tune of $28 million. Many observers think the entire for employees. have enough beds to satisfy demand. When advocacy groups such as legal, financial, and service structure of Local management entities were In the meantime, local entities and the Mental Health Association in North North Carolina’s mental-health system supposed to have received financial as- their private spinoff companies are feel- Carolina voiced their opposition, the is being profoundly altered. Nonprofit sistance to aid in the process as the state ing the financial crunch. department backpedaled, saying it will agencies that offered mental health ser- began closing beds in psychiatric hospi- In its series, the Winston-Salem find the $28 million somewhere else. vices to county residents have become tals, a move that would save about $50 Journal reported “ on the fate of Ho- MHA/NC officials said that for local managing entities. Each agency million, according to the Journal. Hospi- peRidge Centers for Behavioral Health, true mental health-care reform to work, must submit a local business plan to tals are gradually trying to move away the spinoff company of CenterPoint both hospitals and community programs N.C. Department of Health and Human from primary care as more advances in Human Services, the mental-health still need adequate funding. CJ

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From the Liberty Library Saga of conservative resurgence

• Promoted as an economist’s Editor Provides Inside Account of National Review version of The Way Things Work, The Undercover Economist is part field * Priscilla L. Buckley: Living It Up With William seems to have possessed guide to economics and part expose National Review: A Memoir; Spence a remarkably tolerant and easygoing of the economic principles lurking Publishing Company, 2005; 241 pp.; nature throughout the challenges of behind daily events, explaining $27.95. editorship, as shown by the fact that everything from traffic jams to high the magazine’s staff felt comfortable in coffee prices. Author Tim Harford By MAXIMILIAN LONGLEY playing a fairly cruel practical joke on punctures myths surrounding some Contributing Editor him. While William was in Switzerland, of today’s biggest controversies, in- DURHAM the staff sent for his approval an issue cluding the high cost of health care; n the mid-1950s, the American con- that included a page filled with all the why certain environmental laws can servative movement was fragment- types of errors and idiosyncrasies which put a smile on a landlord’s face; and ed, contaminated with kookery, and he most despised. This “montage of why some industries can have high Imarginalized by the establishment. Into awfulness” had the intended effect, and profits for innocent reasons, while in this environment came the magazine more: William wrote a memo to the staff other industries something sinister National Review, founded by William F. expressing his utter shock and sadness. is going on. Covering an array of Buckley. National Review was a major fac- His hurt was so great that the pranksters economic concepts including scarce tor in the intellectual rehabilitation, and felt they may have overdone it a bit. resources, market power, efficiency, the political revival, of conservatism. Running a magazine of current price gouging, market failure, in- Many books have recounted dif- events meant having to be constantly side information, and game theory, ferent aspects of the National Review on your toes. Stories abound in Living Harford sheds light on how these story. Living It Up is an inside account It Up of hair-raising incidents in the life forces shape our day-to-day lives, by Priscilla Buckley, sister of founder of National Review. Twice in 1968, the often without our knowing it. Learn William. The book gives something of staff had to make last-minute changes in more at www.oup.com. the flavor of the magazine’s early impe- response to the events of that turbulent cunious years, when it was struggling year. First, the assassination of Martin • In Greatness: Reagan, not only to lead conservatism out of Luther King required a new cover and Churchill, and the Making of Extraor- the wilderness, but to maintain its own Potential conributors the addition of new editorial material. dinary Leaders, Steven F. Hayward existence in the face of constant finan- On a later occasion the assas- — who has written acclaimed cial problems. The author also includes feared being cast into sination of U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy plenty of stories about her non-National required that a forthcoming issue be studies of both Ronald Reagan “intellectual limbo” if the and Winston Churchill — goes be- Review adventures during her time at completely reformatted. The planned neath the superficial differences to the magazine. academic and literary cover story was a strong denunciation uncover the parallels between the In addition to seeking out dis- of Kennedy, brother of slain President statesmen. In exploring these con- tinguished figures in the conservative establishment found that John F. Kennedy and a candidate for nections, Hayward shines a light on movement to join his magazine, William the Democratic presidential nomina- the nature of political genius and the Buckley recruited staff from among his they were contributing to tion. The cover story was highly critical timeless aspects of statesmanship. numerous siblings. The author ultimate- a conservative publica- of the senator, and matching the story Hayward shows that the examples ly became managing editor, giving her was a cover picture of Kennedy as a of Churchill and Reagan teach what a vantage point from which she could tion. This might explain poisonous snake threatening to attack. is most decisive about political observe the life of the publication. After the assassination, which the author leadership at the highest level. See The Buckley family was rich, why National Review saw live on TV, the now-inappropriate thanks to the oil industry, and this in- cover story got ditched in favor of an www.randomhouse.com/crown had so many young for more details. herited wealth served as a sort of buffer extended obituary and some additional allowing members of the Buckley clan to articles on other subjects. The cover art work low-paying jobs at the magazine. writers and editors who was replaced, too, and the staff tried • Longtime activist, author, National Review in its early years was to remove “any invidious mentions of and antifeminist leader Phyllis were at the very begin- quite poor. Its subscribers were dedi- Bobby,” although the Kennedy-as-snake Schlafly is for many the symbol cated but few in number compared to the picture was inadvertently retained in the of the conservative movement in ning of their careers. subscribers of the major newsmagazines. magazine’s promotional inserts. America. In Phyllis Schlafly and Advertising revenue was low and, un- Living It Up’s chapters alternate Grassroots Conservatism: A Wom- fortunately, wealthy capitalists weren’t between descriptions of life at the early an’s Crusade, historian Donald T. eagerly lining up to provide subsidies who started off as staffers and writers at National Review and accounts of the Critchlow sheds new light on her to this pro-free-enterprise periodical. National Review and ended up as promi- author’s exotic vacations. She describes life and on the unappreciated role The editors had to seek out potential nent figures in government, politics, and how she hunted ducks and doves, boated her grass-roots activism played in contributors. Only after the modern the media. down an English canal in one year and transforming America’s political conservative movement, of which Na- As the author describes it, it was a wild stretch of the Colorado River in landscape. Based on exclusive and tional Review was a major voice, had William who, as editor, kept National another year, visited ancient ruins in unrestricted access to Schlafly’s gone from marginality to establishment Review afloat during its perilous early Cambodia, sailed the Aegean, accom- papers as well as 60 other archival status would supporters start to open years, in the midst of his numerous other panied other National Review people collections, the book reveals the their wallets in a big way. activities. One reason National Review on an official tour of the Soviet Union, inside story of the Missouri-born A constant shortage of money was able to drag conservatism from the and so forth. The reader also learns of mother of six who became one of wasn’t the only problem. As the author margins of intellectual respectability into some of the triumphs and tragedies in the most controversial forces in describes it, potential contributors feared the broad sunlit uplands was William’s the Buckley family’s life, starting with modern political history. It covers being cast into “intellectual limbo” if ability to recruit a staff of learned and the death, at a young age, of Priscilla Schlafly’s political beginnings in the the academic and literary establishment able conservatives. Getting all these Buckley’s beloved sister Maureen. Republican Right after the World found that they were contributing to a individualistic people to work together Living It Up’s chapters on the life War II through her years as an an- conservative publication. This might ex- was a real challenge, and William is por- and times of National Review will be of ticommunist crusader to her more plain why National Review had so many trayed as possessing the leadership and interest to students of the conservative recent efforts to thwart same-sex young writers and editors who were patience necessary to keep the prickly movement. The non-National Review marriage and stem the flow of ille- at the very beginning of their careers. personalities at National Review away material serves to humanize the au- gal immigrants. More information The author drops names — too many from each other’s throats and focused thor, and will probably be of interest to at www.pupress.princeton.edu. CJ names to enumerate — of prominent on the task of top-notch conservative any reader who has a fan’s interest in figures in the conservative movement journalism. the life of the Buckley family. CJ CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL The Learning Curve 21 Anti-Federalist Willie Jones Was One of Nation’s Co-Founders

man of many titles, including his Anti-Federalism. tion of individual rights in the Constitu- Jones’s ideas lived long after his “the Jefferson of North Caro- Many times, Anti-Federals (who tion contributed greatly to the eventual political career, however. They influ- lina,” Willie Jones (pronounced were more federal than the Federal- adoption of the Bill of Rights. It was enced such men as Nathaniel Macon AWiley) deserves more attention. ists) have been described primarily as expedient, Jones reasoned, for North and Thomas H. Hall. Jones (1741-1801) started his politi- provincials lacking vision and offering Carolina to ratify the Constitution only And, the Anti-Federal political cal career in 1767 as a representative of nothing but criticisms of the Constitu- after certain individual rights were tradition continues to inform debate Halifax County tion. Anti-Federals, however, attempted guaranteed. over the nature of American polity and in the House of to settle the tension between seemingly Jones heeded the advice of Thomas constitutional interpretations; the juris- Commons. In opposite values, such as a republican Jefferson: For the sake of the Union, prudence of former U.S. Supreme Court his early career, government and self-governing com- at least nine states should ratify the Justice William Rehnquist has even been he was a die- munities, commerce and civic virtues, Constitution, but to ensure that a Bill of described in legal journals as essentially hard Tory and and private gain and the public good. Rights was adopted, at least four states Anti-Federal and Jeffersonian. even battled the They believed, argues political scientist should not ratify it. Jones made sure All that is said to say this: Although Regulators in Herbert J. Storing, “the American polity North Carolina was one of the four: “I not a framer of the Constitution, Jones co- 1771. Growing had to be a moral community if it was would rather be eighteen years out of founded our nation. Next time you walk disenchanted to be anything, and . . . that the seat of the Union than adopt it [Constitution] or drive down Jones Street in Raleigh, with British co- Dr. Troy that community must be the hearts of in its present defective form.” remember its namesake, Willie Jones, lonial rule, Jones Kickler the people.” In 1788 North Carolina passed a and his fight to preserve liberty. switched sides Believing states’ rights and indi- resolution (184-84) not to approve or See Saul Cornell, The Other Found- not long afterward in 1774. During the vidual rights were intertwined, Jones, in reject the Constitution. Although Jones ers: Anti-Federalism and the Dissenting Revolutionary War, he served at four of particular, criticized the Constitution as seldom spoke at the 1788 ratification de- Tradition in America, 1788-1828 (Chapel the five Provincial Congresses, on the an instrument of centralization and an bates, Federalists resented his presence, Hill, 1999); Blackwell Pierce Robinson, Council of Safety, in the Continental encroachment of community rule. Only for the radical Jeffersonian marshaled “Willie Jones of Halifax,” North Carolina Congress, and emerged as the fore- the states, not the federal government, the forces of opposition: “We might have Historical Review 28 (January, April) 1941: most leader of “radicalism” in North he argued, should have the power to tax carried our point . . .,” said Federalist 1-26, 133-70; and Herbert J. Storing, Carolina. and control the time, manner, and place Archibald MacLaine in 1789, “but for What the Anti-Federalists Were For: The Although Jones lived an accom- of elections. He feared the Constitution Willie Jones.” Political Thought of the Opponents of the plished life and his biography would created the possibilities of a standing For a year North Carolina was out Constitution (Chicago, 1981). CJ certainly be entertaining — as a young army, a Supreme Court that overruled of the union. But when Congress passed man he took a vow of celibacy for three state court decisions, and a federal gov- a Bill of Rights, North Carolina voted for years, and as an old deist he declared ernment that regulated the economy to the Constitution (195-77) in 1789. That in his will that no tombstone should be benefit a few commercial interests. year Jones remained reticent, knowing Troy Kickler is director of the North placed on his grave — I will emphasize Jones’s insistence for an elucida- his political work was done. Carolina History Project. Don’t Bring a Knife

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Short Takes on Culture Give laissez-faire the credit Take in ‘The King’ at the Pond They Made America is ‘Stunning’ • “Illusions of the King” a more credible job in the title role of • Harold Evans: They Made America; among the millions of these ambitious Keith Henderson 2003’s “Luther” — though in his case, Little, Brown; 2004; 496 pp; $40 self-selected risk-takers…were indi- www.keithillusions.com the story isn’t all there. viduals who were exceptionally willing One of the hallmarks of the By GEORGE C. LEEF to dare. Their gifts for innovation ac- ou might think with thousands new bio is a faster development of Contributing Editor celerated America’s progress over two of Elvis Presley tribute artists Luther from law student to monk, RALEIGH centuries….When they disembarked, (OK, and “impersonators”) in and a longer look at the disastrous hat a stunning book! blinking in the bright light of the New Ythe world, that one of the best voices peasants’ revolt which erupted while They Made America is a World, they had no idea what their among them might move on from his he was in protective custody at Wart- big, glorious coffee-table kind destinies would be. The magic was small-town support and pursue larger burg Castle. Wof book that deserves to be picked up in the way they found fulfillment for gigs and perhaps Vegas, long-term. The surrounding poverty and and read, not dusted occasionally. What themselves, and others, in the freedom But that would betray what Keith superstition are more pronounced Harold Evans (actually, Sir Harold, the and raw competitive excitements of the Henderson is all about. in the new film and the portrayals former editor of the London Times, was republic.” You see, Keith’s “Illusions of of Pope Leo X and the Dominican knighted in 2004) has done is to give Yes, the individuals about whom the King” shows are genuine family indulgence peddler Johann Tetzel us a compendium of short biographies Evans writes made America, but they efforts. Wife Sarah books his shows; are smoother and more ambiguous. on American inventors and innovators needed the environment of freedom to daughter Lauren (a charismatic and But the new biography misses the that is a marvel. He begins late in the be able to succeed. One would be hard- talented voice all her own) sings significance of Luther’s rediscovery 18th century and pressed to find with him; his grandmother makes of the Bible and its translation into continues through enough material his outfits; his mother sews on the the vernacular. There are nods in to the present. He for a book on, say, studs and gems; and his dad is his that direction, but the focus remains calls these people Russian innova- stage assistant. They travel with him on Luther’s conflicts, both internal heroes and while tors. The reason everywhere he performs, including and external, rather than the impact his portraits are is that innovation to a small hall in Duncan, N.C. (just of the Word of God on him and his done “warts and can thrive only in southeast of Fuquay-Varina) called culture. Since the phrases “sola all,” one cannot an atmosphere of “Linshire by the Pond,” where he can fide, sola Scriptura” — faith alone, help being swept liberty. be experienced every month or two. Scripture alone — were mottos of the up in Evans’ en- A corollary The Duncan faithful are an extension Reformation, simply brushing past it thusiasm for indi- point: Evans cor- of his family and Keith has performed shortchanges the historical record. viduals who have rectly says of early there for eight years. In the balance, we still like done so much to America: “Every- But back to the voice. Keith won MacGinnis’s “Luther,” but there is bring progress to thing turned on the $50,000 first prize and the right to much to appreciate in Fiennes’s — just mankind. There’s individual enter- perform with The Jordannaires in a not by itself, “sola Fiennes.” not a politician in prise. The national national contest in 2002. He won pre- — HAL YOUNG the bunch. government was vious national competitions in 1998, Robert Ful- weak and the lais- 1999, and 2000, and he has earned ton makes it into sez-faire ideas of the reputation as one of the strongest the book, but the Adam Smith had vocalists among the tribute artists. Cheap way to maintain sanity first chapter goes to John Fitch, who taken root.” In the America of the 21st He’s been honoring Elvis with actually beat Fulton in the development century, however, the national govern- of a working steamboat by 20 years. Like ment is virtually omnipotent and the performances since 1978, and now • Brain, Child magazine nearly all early innovators, Fitch was a sphere of laissez-faire has been greatly has hundreds of his songs committed www.brainchildmag.com to memory. He never knows the next completely self-made man whose native constricted. Evans includes several “dig- intelligence more than compensated ital age” innovators such as the founders song he’s singing until his dad tells Brain, Child magazine has a for his lack of formal education. A near of eBay and Google. Communications is him, but you get the idea that all he decidedly liberal bent, as the ads for escape from Indians in a war canoe had one of the few areas of the economy that needs are a few opening chords and social investing and organic foods set Fitch to thinking about the advan- are still relatively free of regulation and he’s “on.” He never strikes a flawed attest. tages of a steam-powered craft, and he the question thus presents itself: Are we note and the lyrics are delivered with One recent feature article ex- succeeded in building one without ever stifling innovation and progress in the love, respect, and honor for the King, amined why there is no mothers’ having heard of James Watt. many sectors of the economy that are devoid of any hokeyness. This despite movement and suggested, “Moth- All the famous American inven- heavily regulated? a wealth of humor and anecdotes ers can begin asking for changes tors and innovators are here — Eli Finally, here’s a quibble. Evans throughout the show that keep audi- from companies that are working Whitney, Charles Goodyear, Thomas wants to distance himself from libertar- ences gut-laughing. employees longer hours than in any Edison, Henry Ford, George Eastman, ians and Randians by saying that we — PAUL CHESSER other industrialized nation…(and) the Wright brothers — as well as some need to think about all the ways in which agitating against a government that people whom the reader probably won’t government has stimulated innovation, preaches self-reliance and the value know. Sarah Breedlove Walker, for such as the interstate highway system. of work but forces women with small ‘Luther’ good, but incomplete example, was a remarkably successful Compared to the enormous destruction children and limited means out into black businesswoman who rose from of wealth that has been caused by our • “Luther” (2003) the workforce without even providing abject poverty because of her ability to Leviathan through its taxation to support MGM Home Entertainment help for their children.” create and market hair-care products. domestic and international meddling, Directed by Eric Till But reader comments sound like Evans writes that “she attributed her rise however, any benefits from the state John Galt: “People are individuals to the virtues of patience, thrift, and the must be microscopic in comparison. The 1953 documentary “Martin and should live and work to serve acquisition of practical skills, then being Having said that, I still think the Luther,” starring Niall MacGinnis, themselves, not society.” Essays and preached by the former slave Booker T. book is a stunner. CJ is a favorite of our family, a heroic personal stories provide important Washington.” Her story demonstrates portrayal of the reformer, which is support against “lactivists” and oth- that it was possible for blacks to succeed black and white in several ways. Stacy ers who insist on one right way to in business at a time when the political Keach’s psychologically tortured raise a child. At $5.95 an issue, it is an system did all it could to keep them poor rendition in 1974 did nothing to inexpensive way to maintain sanity and ignorant. George Leef ([email protected]) is sway us from loyalty to the older with young children. Evans writes of the people who executive director of the Pope Center for film. Joseph Fiennes, however, does — JOE COLETTI CJ chose to come to America, “[U]nnoticed Higher Education Learning Center. CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL The Learning Curve 23 Saving Our Culture Requires Remembering Who We Are • Tony Blankley: The West’s Last Chance; His suggestion is illusions. The criti- Jihadists are influenced by the -Egyp Regnery Publishing, Inc.; Washington to sunset the war cism of religion is, tian intellectual Sayyid Qutb, who was D.C.; 256 pp; 2005; $18.45. power legislation therefore, an em- executed by the Egyptian government every two years. bryo, the criticism in 1966. The anti-war, anti-Bush crowd By NANCY WINTER The severity of of that vale of tears believe that if we appeased Osama bin Contributing Editor the restrictions of which religion is Laden by ending our support of Israel RALEIGH to liberty sound the halo.” (Intro- and the Muslim petro-regimes the Jihad s it possible the 2008 U.S. presidential outrageous to our duction to a Con- would stop. This is not the case, Blankley campaign could see one candidate peaceful, toler- tribution to the says. The loathing of Western values endorsing registration and curfews ant, multicultural Critique of Hegel’s and lifestyles runs deep and influences Ifor all Muslims and another running society, but few Philosophy of second- and third-generation European on family values and sharia law? Tony people questioned Right, 1844) Muslims. The jihadists will keep up their Blankley pieces together plausible the usefulness of For the next war regardless our activities pertaining events in Europe and the United States similar restrictions 150 years, those to governments in the Middle East. that could bring about the “Nightmare placed on the citi- who thought them- Blankley discusses other methods Scenario,” the title of the first chapter of zens of Britain or selves to be smart to win this war, including: continued his new book. the United States and sophisticated globalization, training more citizens to Blankley is the editor of the edito- during World War bought into the translate Arabic chatter, strengthening rial page of The Washington Times; he II. idea that religion our affiliation with Europe, and spe- was press secretary to speaker of the The West’s was just an illu- cifically helping Europeans win their House Newt Gingrich for seven years, Last Chance in- sion without nec- cultural war by reviving the Judeo- and served as a speechwriter and senior cludes a discus- essarily knowing Christian leanings that polls show to policy analyst for President Ronald sion of the forces it came from Marx. exist among the majority, despite lack Reagan. Considering that level of in- of secularism and Blankley notes of formal church affiliation. sider information, his assessment of Christianity in [Blankley] gives a that a Christian The text is less than 200 pages, with the threat from Islamist jihad must be Europe and the in a social gather- 30 more pages of supporting notes and a taken seriously. United States. He thoughtful discussion to ing in Manhat- comprehensive index backing up lots of “There is no more misleading provides the fol- tan likely will not useful historical and cultural data. The phrase in the English language than ‘if lowing quote from the question of whether declare his belief author gives a thoughtful discussion to current trends continue’,” he says. He Karl Marx: “Re- unless the subject the question of whether we still have the provides examples, instead showing ligion is the sigh we still have the survival is quietly brought survival instinct that allowed us to fight that human history unfolds in more cata- of the oppressed instinct that allowed us up by another; and win in the 1940s, or whether the strophic changes of course. He writes to creature, the heart this is in contrast strength of the West has been compro- shake us from complacency that results of a heartless to fight and win in the to a gathering in mised by multiculturalism and political because we have forgotten history. world, and the Mississippi, where correctness. He contrasts the reaction of the soul of soulless 1940s, or whether the an atheist would Yet he has a hope that if we fully British and Americans in the 1940s with conditions. It is strength of the West has not be inclined to take hold of who we are (Judeo-Christian our current reaction to the mortal threats the opium of the declare his disbe- Western culture) and who is the enemy of militant Islam. His suggestions in- people. The aboli- been compromised. lief. Yet, surveys (Militant Islam), we will increase our clude a formal declaration of war against tion of religion as in both Europe chance of winning and saving our free- Islamic Jihad (rather than any specific the illusory happi- and the United dom-loving culture. CJ Muslim nation). A formal declaration ness of the people States find that would permit the use of war powers, is the demand for their real happiness. most people claim a belief in God. which could allow us to use racial profil- To call on them to give up their illusions Blankley explains that the White Nancy Winter is a health and human ing, better security at our borders, and about their conditions is to call on them House needs to better communicate services policyt analyst for the John Locke more-efficient disaster preparedness. to give up the conditions that require who is the enemy and why. The Islamic Foundation.

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January 2006 CAROLINA 24 Opinion JOURNAL

Commentary Yes, Samantha, There Is a God

Editor’s Note: With apolo- of water on steamy summer day. gies to legendary editorial writer Likewise, theories, manufactured Francis P. Church, of The New York by small minds, can evaporate, Sun, who wrote the classic “Yes, comparatively in God’s time, in the Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” wink of an eye. response in 1897 to young letter The judge said as much writer Virginia O’Hanlon. himself. “To be sure, Darwin’s theory of evolution is imperfect,” he wrote. “However, the fact that a Dear Editor: scientific theory cannot yet render an explanation on every I am 8 years point should not be used old. Some of my little as a pretext to thrust an friends say there is no untestable alternative God, because just before hypothesis grounded in Christmas a federal judge religion into the science banned a Pennsylva- classroom or to misrep- nia school district from resent well-established Editorial mentioning “Intelligent scientific propositions.” Design” in our class. Why, then, is Darwin’s Richard Triangle Gets Great News on Rail But the judge said Wagner theory to be trusted and Darwin’s theory of evolu- God’s faith is not? God’s tion is OK to teach. Papa continual response to all he frontpage headline in The News Nearly all studies show that the says, “If you see it in your newspaper’s of man’s drivel has been the same & Observer of Raleigh called the denser the living arrangements the more column, it’s so.” through all the ages. It is written federal government’s decision congested the traffic. All cities with light Please tell me the truth, is there in the Bible, figuratively, that man, Tnot to fund the Triangle’s proposed rail force people to live in higher-density, a God? like a dog, has been chasing his commuter light-rail system “bad news” more-congested developments and this tail around throughout all of his for the Triangle. But this was not “bad has been part of the plan for the Triangle. — Samantha O’Hara history. May not we consider what news” for regional, state, and national The fact is that congested living equals wags the judge? taxpayers, all of whom would have congested driving. Additional traffic Not believe in God? You been on the hook for an $800 million delays are caused by train crossings at might as well not believe in the boondoggle. intersections. In the Triangle there would earest Samantha, beauty of the human soul. For Federal officials turned the project have been more than 100 intersection Your little friends without it, there could be no faith. down for a number of reasons, primarily crossings per day, tying up traffic on — and the judge — are There could be no beauty in a based on the project’s lack of viability both sides of the track. Delays would Dwrong. They have been misled by dreary world that gorges itself and excessive costs. But these are not the have lasted about 60 seconds each. cynicism of a cynical age. They on scientific theory. It would be real reasons why light-rail projects such The second argument, that light put their trust in theories because a world devoid of childlike won- as the Triangle’s should be scrapped by rail reduces pollution, is equally vacu- they are “scientific.” Still, they are der and euphoria. It would be as not only the federal government but by ous. While it is claimed that all transit mere theories nonetheless. And yet, dreary as though there were no all levels of government concerned about systems will reduce pollution, there is amazingly, they turn their backs Samanthas. There could be no spending taxpayer money wisely. no evidence that they actually do. En- on faith, because faith comes from magical warmth of a mother’s love This light-rail project and others vironmental impact studies assume that God. or of a father’s pride. There could like it in Charlotte and across the coun- the small percentage of commuters who They think that nothing can be no poetry. There could be no ro- try, do not accomplish their stated goals ride transit would otherwise be driving, be true unless it can be compre- mance. There could be no trust and — they neither reduce traffic congestion but most studies show that most would hended by their little minds. All friendship, for they, too, are based nor control pollution. be taking a bus. minds, Samantha, regardless of on Godlike faith. All emotion, that Here are some facts: Over the last Also, the TTA and other train ad- whether they are men’s or chil- which makes us human, would 20 years the cities that have had the vocates don’t account for the increased dren’s, are little. In this great uni- be suppressed, surely making this largest increase in traffic congestion, congestion already noted. Congestion is verse, of which men have managed world more barren and frightening adjusted for population growth, all have the biggest cause of auto pollution, not to explore only one speck, human than the impenetrable mind of any had regional light-rail systems. The 10 the total number of cars on the road. beings are mere insects, compared mad scientist. worst metropolitan areas for conges- Maybe now the Triangle will con- with the intelligence that designed No God? Praise be to Him tion growth, out of the 75 largest in the sider changes that will do more than the whole of truth and knowledge. that he lives and lives forever. A country, all invested heavily in light rail, make light-rail advocates feel good. In Yes, Samantha, there is a God. thousands years from now, Saman- including Portland, Ore. — a supposed addition to building new roads such He exists as surely as love and gen- tha, nay 10 times 10,000 years from erosity and devotion exist. You can now, he will continue to make glad success story — which was second. as Interstate 540 and adding lanes to prove that existence to yourself: the heart of childhood—and the The reason for this is that transpor- existing roads, there are several other Does the scientific curiosity you ex- truly wisest of men. For without tation dollars that go into trains must changes that should be considered. perience upon seeing a frog’s body Him and his faith, there would be be diverted from something, and that These include “smart lights,” better pickled in formaldehyde match the no world as we know it and trust something is roads. This point was all incident management, high-occupancy pulsating thrill you feel when you that it remain—for the sake of all but acknowledged by Cary Mayor Ernie vehicle lanes and remote sensing to catch follow the boundless adventures of future Samanthas. CJ McAlister, who was cited in The N&O persistent polluters.: your heart? as pointing out that “there will prob- Federal officials’ decision to stop Alas! How dreary would be ably be even more focus on finishing the Triangle’s light rail dead in its the world if there were no God! I-540 through the southern part of Wake tracks is great news. Taxpayers’ wallets There would be no genuine, stead- County.” McAlister was implying that will be heavier and, if state and local fast faith. For all faith based on hu- Richard Wagner is editor of there was less focus on this alternative governments act rationally, commutes man vanity is as fleeting as a drop Carolina Journal. because of the prospect of light rail in to work can be less-congested and the the area. air we breathe can be cleaner. CJ CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL Opinion 25 Death-Penalty Polls Mislead Commentary Public remains sensible on capital punishment, despite Gallup Take Fantasy Out of State Budget ne of the most commonly ut- since the mid-1990s. tered cautions about public- Here is where appearances be- am all for encouraging active rialize in another year. opinion polls is that the wording gin to be misleading. Unfortunately, imaginations, believe me. My This is a state debt indistin- Oof questions can shape the answers. This Gallup’s question is seriously flawed, boys have a wide assortment of guishable in some ways from that advice is not only common, but also not only inaccurately measuring public Ihats, weapons, cooking utensils, and of bonded debts for state buildings. quite good. sentiment on capital punishment at any toys with which they are encouraged It is an obligation that state govern- Take the death penalty, for ex- particular point in time but also likely to pretend. We make up stories to- ment, meaning all of us as taxpay- ample. While public support for capi- getting further away from public senti- gether using household items visible ers, will have to satisfy unless we tal punishment has been, by polling ment over time. from our story chair. And being a bit want to accept severe financial, standards, overwhelming for decades, Most Americans who favor capital of a sci fi/fantasy nut my- social, and political death-penalty foes are fond of citing a punishment do not favor it for every self, I fear that I may have consequences. It is a debt series of Gallup surveys as evidence convicted murderer. Execution is a fit passed along to the next that should have been that their efforts are bearing fruit — that sentence for certain egregious murders generation of Hoodlums reported clearly years ago Americans are becoming less willing — those with special conditions such an inordinate fascination so that taxpayers could to countenance the execution of those as extreme brutality, multiple victims, with hobbits, Klingon better evaluate proposals who commit the most heinous crimes or murdering victims of other crimes birds-of-prey, junior mem- to issue billions of bonds imaginable. such as rape. bers of the Justice League for university construc- The data do exist. Opponents To many poll respondents who of America, Martian fli- tion, water and sewer aren’t making up the numbers. Since the want such murderers punished with just ers, sandworms, talking projects, natural-gas lines, 1930s, Gallup has asked this question: sentences, the proper answer to Gallup’s pigs, and Sith lords. (The and other functions. “Are you in favor of the death penalty more-general question is either “no” or new Narnia film, viewed Will the listing of for a person convicted of murder?” The “I’m not sure.” Indeed, it is likely that recently, gets the high- the debt change the rat- lowest level of support came in 1966, at over time, respondents have been less est rating of three Hoods ing agencies’ assessment only 42 percent. But this was an outlier. likely to reflexively say “yes” and- in flipped way up, I should of North Carolina invest- During the 1970s and 1980s, public sup- stead to wonder whether they are being mention.) ment risk? Some budget officials port rebounded. In 1994, the highest-ever asked to apply a sentence they favor in But there are times when fear it might. “Obviously, we can’t support came in at 80 percent. an overly broad manner. having an active imagination, a fully fund that kind of liability on More recently, the percentage There is no way to spin the result less-than-firm grasp on reality, is an annual basis,” says State Con- answering in the affirmative has been of this polling question in any way not a plus. For example — and let troller Robert Powell. “How will lower than that, in the mid-60s to low- consistent with the activists’ aspirations. me know if you think I’m going too they look at it in terms of the over- 70s. That’s still a strong majority. But it The public remains sensible and resolute far out on an all financial does appear to represent falling support on the issue, thank goodness. CJ Ent’s arm with rating?” this — I submit I agree that imagina- Other states are in the that this is tion should an important have little same boat, or perhaps question, but it Food Fights an Absurd Waste place in fash- isn’t the most Costs could not possibly be worth resolution of such issues ioning North even a less-imbal- important Carolina’s state anced one. That doesn’t one. As I have ere’s a helpful hint for policy- other munchies. budget. written many makers wondering if they are Here’s another example of the Appar- change the fact that times before, spending their time — really, food-definition test for whether- gov ently, lawmak- the political ers have been North Carolina’s liability class has a fas- Hour time, since we taxpayers are paying ernment is wasting time. According to making deci- cination with them —in a productive manner. If you U.S. News & World Report, two federal could end up swamping find yourself haggling over the proper agencies have begun battling out the sions about the debt ratings definition of food, you are wasting time pivotal issue of how much meat a state’s finances the ship of state. that has never better spent on an issue of greater sub- “meat product” must have before it is and debt load made much stance and more relevance to the proper considered a “meat product.” The Food based on the sense to me. workings of a limited, constitutional Safety and Inspection Service, under the fantasy that Yes, differ- government. Department of Agriculture, exercises by adequate ences in inter- The food-definition issue comes up federal statute regulatory responsibility reserves exist to pay for the health est rates matter, but the size of the with surprising frequency. For example, over meat and poultry products. The expenses for retired and soon-to-be principal matters more. Given the during a recent meeting of a tax-reform Food and Drug Administration, an retired state employees. According existence of this liability for current Triangle Business Jour- panel, panelists were regaled with the independent agency, exercise authority to a report in employees, should we adjust the nal story of how North Carolina had taken over all other food. , North Carolina state govern- benefit package for new employ- the necessary step of redefining soft The flashpoint of the controversy is ment is preparing to comply with a ees so that taxpayers aren’t paying drinks as something other than food. the wiener. If we’re talking a run-of-the- directive from the Government Ac- the entire cost of the retiree-health Which is, of course, absurd. Sodas mill hot dog on a bun, the meaty cylinder counting Standards Board to report benefit? Or, alternatively, should are consumed on purpose by human is the proper subject of FSIS regulation. more accurately its financial liabili- the state divest itself of other beings (and possibly other animals, inad- If we’re talking about a corn dog, same ties. Other states are in the same responsibilities so as to satisfy its visably). They contain carbs and calories. deal. But if it is a bagel dog, the FDA boat, or perhaps even a less-imbal- current ones without massive new They are beverages. Are beverages not claims regulatory oversight. anced one. That doesn’t change the tax hikes now or in the future? food? Would such a ruling include juice The dispute is now the subject of fact that North Carolina’s liability Policymakers can be as imagi- and milk? On what planet? costly meetings and probably potential could end up swamping the ship of native as they like, but they can’t CJ More generally, states have strug- litigation. The benefits of resolving this state. wish these issues away. gled for years with the issue of whether issue, however it is resolved, could The dollar amounts are daunt- Hood is president of John Locke to define certain kinds of food — excuse not be worth the costs of resolution. ing. Reporter Michael Wagner says Foundation and author of us, edible substances — as “snacks” This is the kind of government time- that the state is estimating a cost of Selling the instead of food so as to subject them waster that, from the taxpayers’ point $10.4 billion over 30 years to pay Dream: Why Advertising is Good , just out from Praeger. Con- to higher taxation. The debates have of view, just doesn’t cut the mus- the bill for retiree health care. A Business higher estimate will probably mate- tact him at [email protected] involved pretzels, chips, cupcakes, and tard, frankly speaking. CJ January 2006 CAROLINA 26 Opinion JOURNAL

Editorial Briefs

Fishing quotas Fisheries throughout the world are on the verge of collapse because of a classic problem: an open-access resource is being overexploited. The way to save fisheries is with property rights, Ronald Bailey says in Reason. Fisheries are under pressure, because no one has an incentive to protect their health and productivity. Fishermen who leave fish in the water simply give their competitors another fish to catch. Bailey points out the plight of various Alaskan fisheries in the 1990s. The halibut season was once 10 months long, but because of overfishing, government fisheries managers kept shortening the season as a way to limit catches. It didn’t work — by 1997, the halibut season was down to two chaotic 24-hour “derbies,” yet the overall catch size was about the same that it had been when the season lasted 10 months. This hurt both fishermen and consumers; with a 48-hour fishing season the market was flooded with poor-quality frozen fish and processors could dictate prices to fishermen. Eventually, local officials implemented indi- vidual fishing quotas. Under the quotas, officials grant fishermen the right to a certain percentage of fish from the “allowable” catch. The rights are tradable. Consumers Dictate ‘Creative Destruction’ The results are promising. Under the quotas, the halibut season was expanded to 245 days. have to admit, when I heard about General problem for GM. Fishermen’s safety has greatly increased because Motors’ decision to close several factories and But behind GM’s travails is a bigger idea, an boats can stay in port when the weather is bad. lay off 30,000 workers, I was sad. I grew up in idea that economists say really dictates the ebb and The pressure to overfish is much less because Ithe 1950s when GM and other U.S. manufacturers flow of the business world. It’s the idea that says quota holders understand that 1 percent of a bigger dominated the auto market. I remember eagerly nothing really stays the same; there’s always change pie is better, so they leave more fish breeding in awaiting the debut of GM’s new cars each fall. I on-going. Economists have a fancy name for the the sea so they can catch more in the future. memorized the styles and models and recalled the idea: creative destruction. information for years to come. In short, the economic world For decades, GM symbolized the moves in a series of several steps for- The forever stamp U.S. economy. In the 1950s, GM President ward and some steps back. The new Charles Wilson was reported to have replaces the old. Cars took the place of What’s a “forever stamp”? It’s a stamp said, “What’s good for GM is good for wagons, personal computers ousted that could always be used for the first ounce of America.” Although his actual state- typewriters, CDs replaced tapes, on-line first-class postage. It would be sold at the current ment was different (“…what was good shopping takes sales from “bricks and price of a first-class stamp but would be good for the country was good for GM, and mortar” shopping, and the list goes on for first-class letter postage indefinitely regard- vice-versa”), the point is that the auto and on. Investors and workers associ- less of future postage rates. Sound far-fetched? industry was one of the largest and most ated with the new companies and tech- Thirty nations, including Britain, Finland, Israel, successful economic entities in the coun- Michael nologies gain at the expense of those tied Belgium, and Brazil, have used the stamps. The try. Almost 10 percent of the national Walden to the old way of doing things. stamps make sense, Ruth Y. Goldway, a member economy was directly or indi- Who dictates the change of the Postal Rate Commission, wrote in The New rectly tied to the auto industry, that comes with creative York Times. and American-made cars were destruction? It’s you and me, With forever stamps, there would be no more the standard around the world. The economic world the consumer. We decide who last-minute time-consuming trips to the post office It’s different today. The wins and who loses because when rates go up, forcing customers to stand in stock market barely shrugged moves in a series of sev- we make the purchasing deci- long lines to buy new higher-rate stamps or “make on the day of GM’s announce- eral steps forward and sions. We compare alternative up” stamps to add to the old ones. ment. The simple reason was products and decide which Individuals might buy large quantities of that the domestic auto industry some steps back. ones best fit our needs and wal- forever stamps just before a rate increase, but the isn’t nearly as important as it let. In the auto market, foreign Postal Service would get the use of the funds until once was. Its contribution to manufacturers’ reputations for the stamps are finally used. the total economy is only half quality and performance have Postal clerks would make better use of their as large as in the 1950s. And, in led many American consumers time than they would selling two-cent stamps. only a few years, a foreign-owned producer, Toyota, to favor their products over domestic competitors. The forever stamp would do a great deal to will likely overtake GM as the largest seller of ve- Our economy is bigger than any one company help consumers adjust to rate increases, as well hicles in the United States. or industry. Companies come and go, and rise and as assisting the Postal Service in managing its How did this happen? How is it that the once- fall, all the time. It’s all part of the constant trans- budget and investing in improvements. mighty-giant GM has come to the edge of bank- formation of business. Still, it doesn’t prevent me In recent years the service has been working ruptcy? from shedding a tear when a childhood idol, like to shed its image as a stodgy, unresponsive gov- Many answers have been offered. Unsustain- GM, hits rough times. CJ ernment monopoly. Adopting the forever stamp able labor contracts, more generous than for many would signal that the Post Office is pro-consumer other auto manufacturers, are cited as one reason. and ready to enact money-saving reforms, Gold- Also, inadequate vehicle models that didn’t Michael L. Walden is a William Neal Reynolds dis- way said. CJ successfully adapt to the quick-changing market- tinguished professor at North Carolina State University place of consumer preferences have been another and an adjunct scholar of the John Locke Foundation. CAROLINA January 2006 JOURNAL Opinion 27 Musings While on the Metro in Washington, D.C.

To the editor, during rush hour from about 12.5 mph waiting, for the “blue” line example is 13 times less than the D.C. example. to a maximum of 25 mph when the rise from an average of 20 minutes to The highway example for D.C. applies uring a recent four-day visit in tunnels are open and the platforms are approximately 36 minutes during a D.C. equally well to the Triangle, and the Washington, D.C. I had many lightly loaded. Peak train speeds can be rush hour. throughput for a single highway lane excursions on the Metro. It is estimated as 40 to 45 mph. If the rush hour were extended or is more than six times that for one track Da marvelously efficient system, surely The subway platforms can accom- the initial platform waits were allowed of the TTA proposal. Such a train has no the equal of any modate a train length of six passenger to swell and then dissipate by means notable impact on the scores of highway in the world. Its cars. Each car has 88 comfortable seats, of a controlled entry to the trains, then lanes that currently serve Research Tri- rides are comfort- Letter and that capacity is easily doubled by the throughput rate of trains could be angle Park. If that $800 million of initial able — if one is those standing during morning and maintained at the optimum level and capitalization costs is averaged over four able to obtain a evening rush hours. During rush hour, all commuters would have the same rush hours a day of 1,400 commuters per seat — its trains to the a six-car train can carry as many as 1,200 minimum end-to-end times. The same hour (two tracks) for 20 years of work are regular, and passengers. If one allows such a heavily result would apply to highways if entry days, the amortized round-trip cost per its arms of service Editor loaded train full access to a subway tun- volumes could be controlled and main- commuter per day is over $55! extend into Mary- nel, and if eight minutes of separation tained at an optimum level. Highways My last musing is this. It is to be land and Virginia. between trains is the minimum neces- can have more serious delays, and even hoped that our planners and politicians By counting and sary to assure no slowdowns, then the total jams, than trains only because their will be wise enough to recognize the observing time intervals, one’s musings maximum throughput for each train entry is virtually unlimited. impracticality of a rail system in the can determine the maximum capacities line is about 9,000 passengers per hour A feeder highway into D.C. is Triangle, and will seriously explore and throughputs of a Metro line. at any point along the line. This average Route 35 and each lane of Route 395 can dedicated bus lanes. The throughput for The five intersecting (and overlap- time separation of eight minutes for an carry a maximum of about 2,800 cars per a bus lane is nearly an order of magni- ping) lines are designated by colors, and average speed of 25 mph corresponds hour. If this is reduced to 2,300 cars per tude greater than for an auto lane, the I became particularly familiar with a to an average distance separation of 3.3 hour, which increases the safe spacing system is flexible and expandable, and six-mile segment of the Metro “blue” miles. This is necessary, since, if a leading between cars, and the cars maintain its costs per commuter are more than line, along which there were eight stops. train has a 1.5-minute stop in a station, an average speed of 45 mph, then the an order of magnitude below those for The shortest end-to-end transit time, not an incoming train can close the gap by maximum throughput of three lanes a rail system. Our long-term planners including the wait for a train to arrive , more than one mile. with two commuters per car will be were wise many years ago when they was 16 minutes. The longest time, in the Observations show that the reduc- about 13,800 commuters per hour. This set aside Research Triangle Park, away midst of rush hour and with one other tion of time intervals between trains 50 percent enhancement in throughput is from the density of a city, as the location line sharing a portion of the track, was in order to avoid platform crowding maintained even if there are slowdowns, for future economic expansion. 33 minutes. cannot increase the throughput beyond since the spacing between autos will be Whenever the wait interval be- that maximum level of 9,000 passen- reduced. William T. Lynch, Ph.D. tween trains on any line was less than gers per hour. The trains may be more I also mused about the TTA rail pro- Apex, NC eight minutes, the end-to-end time was closely spaced along the track, but safety posal. The initial $800 million proposal longer than the minimum. The addition- requires that their average speeds be has14 cars, with seven cars fully opera- al time was spent with longer waits for decreased. tional on each side of the 28-mile length. Carolina Journal welcomes let- loading and unloading, slower speeds in If the train arrival interval is If these trains have an average speed of ters from its readers. Send your letters to the tunnels, and temporary stops in the halved, then the average speed is halved, 30 mph, and have a car capacity of 90 CJ Editor Richard Wagner at rwagner@ tunnels. It is the exact parallel to traffic and the end-to-end time is doubled. The passengers, the maximum throughput carolinajournal.com, or mail them to him slowdowns on a highway. commuter who is traveling eight miles at any point along the line will be only at Carolina Journal, 200 W. Morgan St., The average train speed varies has an overall time, including platform 700 passengers per hour per track. This Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27601. Going Out to Eat? Let City Government Choose Your Restaurant

he next time you have a fam- be repaying taxpayer-funded loans have default? That’s how many banks work. house, demolish it, and give the land to a ily discussion to decide on a closed, defaulting on more than $176,000 A loan officer with a 62 percent default multimillion-dollar corporation. As long restaurant for dinner, imagine of a total of $282,000 loaned. rate would likely have a pay cut or as whatever that corporation builds on Twhether you were instructed to consult Let’s follow the logic. City bu- perhaps be fired. the property — a new hotel, an industrial a city bureaucrat, a specialist reaucrats loan tax money to What about restaurants already park, etc. — would pay more property at the Winston-Salem Of- restaurants, a risky proposi- in the redevelopment area? They are tax than yours did, many government fice of Small Business and tion from the start. When not eligible for $90,000-plus grants, but officials would justify such pilferage as Economic-Development, on the restaurants go broke, they must compete with new restaurants in the public interest. which restaurant you should taxpayers are left holding that get grants. Obviously, having that In this case, the same mentality patronize. the bag. How does the city kind of startup capital would give any has led a city to loan taxpayer money Far fetched? Not really. defend this? Mayor Allen new restaurant a competitive advantage to a new restaurant that may either As reported recently in the Joines points out that this (though just as obviously the advantage drive Uncle Harry’s restaurant out Winston Salem-Journal, the is not city money, but that can’t guarantee success for a flawed of business or squander scarce funds city is in the business of at- the program is financed restaurant model or poor execution). It on establishments doomed to fail. tempting to pick winners and Dr. Michael under a federal grant. As a seems that the city government is not If Winston-Salem is going to Sanera losers in the Winston-Salem federal taxpayer — as are all as concerned about existing restaurants invest in certain restaurants in certain restaurant market by grant- residents of Winston-Salem as it is in new restaurants. Restaurants neighborhoods, it would not seem ing favored eateries low-interest gov- — that makes me feel a lot better. that make it on their own by satisfy- to be much of a leap for city officials ernment loans of about $90,000. Which Does the city official who made the ing customers are less-deserving of to offer an opinion about where you restaurants are favored with these loans? bad loans suffer any consequences? No. government’s attention, apparently, for should eat tonight. Is that really what They are new ones in the city’s redevel- The city official administering the loan reasons that are hard to fathom. we have local government for? CJ opment area on Restaurant Row. program is quoted as saying, “You can- When I was a student in grade Now, if you think that the city not put a price tag on the revitalization school, I learned that local government government has no business in the res- of downtown Winston-Salem.” That’s an provided essential services such as taurant business, you are right — and alarming statement. Would this official’s police and fire protection. But now we its track record proves it. Two of four loan decisions be different if his salary live in the “brave new world” of urban Dr. Michael Sanera is research director Winston-Salem restaurants that should were cut a certain percentage for every redevelopment. A city can take your at the John Locke Foundation. January 2006 C a r o l i n a 28 Parting Shot Journal Jailhouse Crock: More Political Going-Away Parties (a CJ parody)

News Item: Friends of former U.S. political fortunes put on by the victims in all the state’s prisons, “every- Rep. Frank Ballance sponsored a “friend- of the Mecklen- federal govern- body who’s been tarred by this radical ship luncheon” for him, featuring comedian burg Democrat ment.” right-wing federal administration,” to and civil-rights activist Dick Gregory, in darken, Black F i l m e d be granted temporary leave to party Murfreesboro. The event took place at Nebo also might party on WRAL-TV, with Democrats bullied by U.S. Attorney Baptist Church in December. hearty his last Dad didn’t look Frank Whitney. night as speaker. like he was in a “Let the good times roll, just like By GAREY BALLANCE Rather than partying mood. they do every legislative session,” the Former Court Reporter inviting comedi- “The sad sack esteemed senator from the downtrod- MURFREESBORO an Dick Gregory, was sittin’ on a den eastern part of the state said. “We he going-away-to-prison party though, Black block of stone, can throw a lot of bashes with the slush for my dad, former U.S. Rep. said he would way over in the funds we have at our disposal.” Frank Ballance, made such a huge book an Elvis im- corner weepin’ Big N.C. No. 3 said to former U.S. Tsplash that other members of North personator for the all alone,” a No. 1: “You’ll be the cutest jailbird I Carolina’s political elite are consider- event. “I imagine prison newspa- ever did see. Meg sure will be delighted ing copying the 1st District Democrat’s the theme would per reported. with your company, come on and do formula for success. be ‘Jailhouse “The warden the Jailhouse Crock with she. Let’s rock, N.C. House Speaker Jim Black has Crock,’” Black said, ‘Hey, bud- everybody, let’s rock. Everybody in the been served with federal subpoenas said. “We could dy, don’t you whole cell block will be dancin’ to the asking for a variety of records pertain- invite former Ag- Elvis impersonator Don B. Krool is ready and be no square. If Jailhouse Crock.” willing to do the Jim Black gig. ing to Black’s former political director, riculture Com- you can’t find Not to be outdone, Dad’s friends Meredith Norris; the creation of a state missioner Meg a partner use a planned yet another party before he goes lottery; the video poker industry; and Scott Phipps and her cellmates, if they wooden chair.’” off to the pokey. Picking up the tab for former Rep. Michael Decker. A sea of could get special leave from Camp N.C. Senate leader Marc Basnight, all the parties wouldn’t be a problem, sleaze threatens to engulf Black. Cries Cupcake.” who also was a witness called by a fed- the state Attorney General’s Office and a for his resignation continue to lap at Like Dad, Black said the scandal eral grand jury in late 2004, did attend legal adviser to Gov. Mike Easley said. his feet. surrounding him was a “massive right- Dad’s fete. “What, me worry?” Bas- “They can continue to party it Black apologized to my dad for wing conspiracy.” night quipped. “Let’s rock, everybody, up like we’re accustomed to in North skipping the Murfreesboro party. But At his party, Dad wailed, “People let’s rock. Everybody in the whole cell Carolina government. Just like Black’s the speaker said he had heard that the who know me don’t feel like I let them block should be dancin’ to the Jailhouse legal fees, we can find an additional former U.S. No. 1 and his friends kicked down because they don’t believe — the Crock.” $30,000 to have a little more fun,” Attor- up their heels so much that, should the only conspiracy in this case is the one Basnight said he wants political ney General Roy Cooper said. CJ

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