The 3rd Quarter campaign contributions for all the candidates in races in Guilford County are online for all to see. CLICKHERE .
Some observations is that there are certain North Carolina General Statutes that the treasurers on these campaign committees need to abide by and looking at some of these returns it seems that 2 of the Guilford County Commissioners at large candidates committees need to go back to the drawing board on showing transparency on their campaign forms.Below is the actual North Carolina General Statute and looking at their returns it seems that Paul Gibson who is his own treasurer needs to fill out the forms completely. Larry Proctor's treasurer William Depriest was in never never land filling out the forms. There will be a call made to the Guilford County Board of Elections on these and other campaign forms not filled out right or completely. Time for a change in Guilford County and filling out the proper campaign forms is a start in the right direction in transparency in local government.
§ 163‑278.11. Contents of treasurer’s statement of receipts and expenditures.
(a) Statements filed pursuant to provisions of this Article shall set forth the following:
(1) Contributions. – Except as provided in subsection (a1) of this section, a list of all contributions received by or on behalf of a candidate, political committee, or referendum committee. The statement shall list the name and complete mailing address of each contributor, the amount contributed, the principal occupation of the contributor, and the date such contribution was received. The total sum of all contributions to date shall be plainly exhibited. Forms for required reports shall be prescribed by the Board. As used in this section, “principal occupation of the contributor” means the contributor’s:
a. Job title or profession; and
b. Employer’s name or employer’s specific field of business activity
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Found A Soil And Water Candidate To Vote For in Guilford COunty
A friend of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of the Triad forwarded me information on one of the Soil and Water Candidates. This position is one of the strangest votes any voter in Guilford County has to cast. On Triadwatch my take on this vote was to put the names in a hat and pick one. Sorry to my friend that I early voted but here is the information on one of the candidates for Soil and Water. Here is the information below on Andrew Courts.
Elect
Andrew Courts
Soil and Water District Supervisor
Platform
1. Create a speakers bureau to provide educational programs to both adults and children about the importance of water conservation and how to implement.
2. Push understanding of the importance of water availability to economic development/relocating businesses.
3. Work on putting the "green" into Greensboro.
4. Continue work on increasing riparian buffers along Guilford County waterways
5. We need to enforce water restrictions year round.
6. Use the Commission as a "bully pulpit" for all matters concerning water in Guilford County and to a lesser degree, North Carolina.
Qualifications:
· More than 25 years in Guilford County
· Energy Star Rater – Environmental Solutions Group
· Real Estate Professional – EcoBroker
· Certified NAHB Green Build Verifier
· GTCC Instructor - Environmental Hazards
· Member, Guilford Environmental Review Board
· Member, Guilford County Board of Adjustments
· Member, Piedmont Environmental Center
· Member, Greensboro Beautiful
· Member, National Gardening Association
· Former Commissioner, Greensboro Housing Commission
· Adopt-a-Stream (3)
· Eagle Scout
Water Conservation Tips
1. Use a timer while watering your grass and do so only as necessary. Water with a hose, especially in times of drought. Best of all, convert your lawn to native plants.
2. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. Savings of 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.
3. Don't run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end. Better idea, drive a dirty car.
4. Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors.
5. Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
6. Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.
7. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
8. Don't use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.
9. Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants, your garden or washing your car.
10. Don't water the sidewalks, driveway or gutter. Adjust your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs--and only there.
Elect
Andrew Courts
Soil and Water District Supervisor
Platform
1. Create a speakers bureau to provide educational programs to both adults and children about the importance of water conservation and how to implement.
2. Push understanding of the importance of water availability to economic development/relocating businesses.
3. Work on putting the "green" into Greensboro.
4. Continue work on increasing riparian buffers along Guilford County waterways
5. We need to enforce water restrictions year round.
6. Use the Commission as a "bully pulpit" for all matters concerning water in Guilford County and to a lesser degree, North Carolina.
Qualifications:
· More than 25 years in Guilford County
· Energy Star Rater – Environmental Solutions Group
· Real Estate Professional – EcoBroker
· Certified NAHB Green Build Verifier
· GTCC Instructor - Environmental Hazards
· Member, Guilford Environmental Review Board
· Member, Guilford County Board of Adjustments
· Member, Piedmont Environmental Center
· Member, Greensboro Beautiful
· Member, National Gardening Association
· Former Commissioner, Greensboro Housing Commission
· Adopt-a-Stream (3)
· Eagle Scout
Water Conservation Tips
1. Use a timer while watering your grass and do so only as necessary. Water with a hose, especially in times of drought. Best of all, convert your lawn to native plants.
2. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. Savings of 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.
3. Don't run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end. Better idea, drive a dirty car.
4. Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors.
5. Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
6. Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.
7. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
8. Don't use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.
9. Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants, your garden or washing your car.
10. Don't water the sidewalks, driveway or gutter. Adjust your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs--and only there.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Join Stephen Moore from Americans for Prosperity in Greensboro November 1, 2008
Join Americans for Prosperity Foundation in Greensboro or Raleigh for a special book event featuring one of the nation's leading free-market thinkers -- economist Stephen Moore of The Wall Street Journal editorial board. Be one of the first 25 to register and you will receive AT NO CHARGE your own copy of Moore's new book, The End of Prosperity -- How Higher Taxes Will Doom the Economy... If We Let It Happen.
Stephen Moore is a regular commentator on Fox News Channel
With the current financial crisis putting a shadow over our economy, is our free-market system able to turn around on it's own? Can we put our confidence in the government to clean up this mess? With all the talk in Washington, D.C. these days, it seems the politicians in our nation's capital think government has the answer. Steve Moore of The Wall Street Journal thinks differently.
Join us on Saturday, November 1st in Greensboro or Raleigh when AFPF hosts Steve Moore as he introduces his new book, The End of Prosperity.
Greensboro -- Saturday, Nov. 1
10:30-11:30 AMGolden Corral: 2419 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro NC (Map).
Grassroots breakfast (dutch treat) and Steve Moore book discussion and signing. The first 25 people who register will receive a free copy of Moore's new book.
12:00-1:45 PM Barnes and Noble: 3102 Northline Ave Greensboro, NC 27408 (Map).
Coffee & Candid Conversation book signing and discussion with Steve Moore.
Raleigh -- Saturday, Nov. 1
4:00-4:50Barnes & Noble: 8431 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh, NC 27617 (Map).
Coffee & Candid Conversation book signing and discussion with Steve Moore.
Space is limited, so please register today. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear one of the nation's preeminent free-market economists discuss why the Reagan Revolution played a critical role in reversing our economic prosperity, how it inspired a freedom movement throughout the world and what we need to do here at home to secure that freedom and prosperity for the next generation.
Amazon.com has this about The End of Prosperity:
"The rest of the world is following the American economic growth model of lower tax rates, more economic freedom, and sound money. Paradoxically, one country is moving away from these growth policies and putting its prosperity at risk -- America. . . . We risk losing the exceptional standard of living that has made us the envy of the rest of the world if the pro-growth policies of the last twenty-five years are reversed by a new president."
This is a critical time for our country. Please join with Americans for Prosperity Foundation and Steve Moore as we put light on solutions to the financial crisis. Don't miss this important event. Register online today. Look forward to seeing you there!
Stephen Moore is a regular commentator on Fox News Channel
With the current financial crisis putting a shadow over our economy, is our free-market system able to turn around on it's own? Can we put our confidence in the government to clean up this mess? With all the talk in Washington, D.C. these days, it seems the politicians in our nation's capital think government has the answer. Steve Moore of The Wall Street Journal thinks differently.
Join us on Saturday, November 1st in Greensboro or Raleigh when AFPF hosts Steve Moore as he introduces his new book, The End of Prosperity.
Greensboro -- Saturday, Nov. 1
10:30-11:30 AMGolden Corral: 2419 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro NC (Map).
Grassroots breakfast (dutch treat) and Steve Moore book discussion and signing. The first 25 people who register will receive a free copy of Moore's new book.
12:00-1:45 PM Barnes and Noble: 3102 Northline Ave Greensboro, NC 27408 (Map).
Coffee & Candid Conversation book signing and discussion with Steve Moore.
Raleigh -- Saturday, Nov. 1
4:00-4:50Barnes & Noble: 8431 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh, NC 27617 (Map).
Coffee & Candid Conversation book signing and discussion with Steve Moore.
Space is limited, so please register today. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear one of the nation's preeminent free-market economists discuss why the Reagan Revolution played a critical role in reversing our economic prosperity, how it inspired a freedom movement throughout the world and what we need to do here at home to secure that freedom and prosperity for the next generation.
Amazon.com has this about The End of Prosperity:
"The rest of the world is following the American economic growth model of lower tax rates, more economic freedom, and sound money. Paradoxically, one country is moving away from these growth policies and putting its prosperity at risk -- America. . . . We risk losing the exceptional standard of living that has made us the envy of the rest of the world if the pro-growth policies of the last twenty-five years are reversed by a new president."
This is a critical time for our country. Please join with Americans for Prosperity Foundation and Steve Moore as we put light on solutions to the financial crisis. Don't miss this important event. Register online today. Look forward to seeing you there!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Greensboro City Council Member Mike Barber Wants A Love Fest With Local Developers
On October 21, 2008 the Greensboro City Council had an agenda item which pertained to closing a loophole in the planning process. It was an ordinance amending chapter 30, sections 30-3-12.2(c) and 30-3-12.2(i) related to resubmitting applications for rezoning property after final action by the zoning commission, after final action by the city council and when the application is withdrawn from consideration less than 19 days before zoning commission public meeting date for the said property.
It was defeated 8-1 with Dianne Bellamy- Small the lone dissenter. The Yes votes were Rakestraw,Matheny,Wade,Perkins,Barber,Wells,Groat, and
Johnson
Once the item was open for discussion from the Mayor it didn't take long for Greensboro City Council member Zack Matheny to chime in on how he felt about this ordinance, CLICKHERE then proceed to October 21, 2008 at 3:23 mark on video. He started off by saying that at tonight's meeting they have already overturned 3 zoning commission decisions. In a later post TRIADWATCH will make a case to DUMP THE GREENSBORO ZONING COMMISSION to never decide a zoning case because the Greensboro City Council will ultimately approve your development, just like this loophole will bring back the Wedding Planner on New Garden Road under some other classification and the Friends of New Garden CLICKHERE will have to come back to council chambers for the 5th time on this piece of property.
One of the reasons why Dick Hails brought up this ordinance is because of the shenanigans of Derek "Conflict of Interest"Allen from the Brooks Pierce Law Firm who continued the Wedding Planner case right before it went to council. Then right before it was going to the City Council he withdrew the case because he didn't have the 5 votes needed, and the notification to the neighborhood was pathetic to make them go in front of council not once but twice and never make their case.It is not fair to see these lawyers and developers try maneuvers like what Derek Allen did to the Friends of New Garden.
This ordinance should have passed with flying colors but with a pro developer city council all bets are off and the citizens are the ones getting screwed in the process.
Zack Matheny also stated that neighborhoods are involved in the process.
If you have seen some of these zoning cases lately that is not the case. For example, Kim Reittinger brought up a rezoning case off of New Garden Road in front of the zoning commission on October 14, 2008 she stated that she had spoke to neighbors, no one opposing it, which was a lie to the zoning commission and to note she didn't have a neighborhood meeting at all. Come to find out from a representative on robinridge road and the turner hills neighborhood almost 101 out of 108 homes were against this rezoning case and their presentation showed a colored map of all the homes against this zoning case .Let's also ask the Garden Lake area or the neighbors off of Friendly Avenue and how about the neighborhood off of Rehobeth Church Road who had the developer bring up the same case again a few months later for approval how they feel about the process in Greensboro. This process is broken and to make the neighborhoods keep on coming back up in front of City Council again and again is not acceptable.
Other cities have different ways when zoning cases get denied but to do nothing like Greensboro did with this vote and to see Dick Hails from the Planning Department bring up a reasonable ordinance to no avail really shows what a pro development city council acts like when a reasonable ordinance is denied.
But as you can see from the vote and seeing Matheny,Perkins and Barber chime in on this ordinance it was apparent that they got their marching orders from the Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition otherwise known around these neck of the woods as the TREBIC CARTEL.
The icing on the cake came from Greensboro City Council Member Mike Barber.Here is what he said about developers bringing back up zoning cases in front of the city. CLICKHERE then proceed to October 21, 2008 3:26 mark on video.
"If somebody wants to bring back a half a dozen times . We should hold the door for them,hug their neck, give them a coke, figure out a way to build what they want to build because it's a new day and if we don't grow tax base , we will raise their taxes."
As you can see where Mike Barber stands on the issue not one regard for these neighborhoods who have to come up in front of zoning, and council to make their case against this unwanted development over and over again. But to hear him say "build them what they want to build" is proof that TREBIC CARTEL is and will get their way on the Greensboro City Council no matter what happens.
The only council member who spoke for the citizens of Greensboro was Dianne Bellamy-Small but as you can see from the vote nobody was listening.
2009 will be a pivotal year in Greensboro politics. It might be time to have some formidable candidates to compete against this pro development Greensboro City Council and make a change for the better . The time has come to have a "DUMP THE DEVELOPER PARTY" on Greensboro City Council in fall of 2009.
Below is a part of the process in High Point N.C. . Where before a case gets to the Planning and Zoning Commission they have already met with the neighbors.This process needs to be a part of the process in Greensboro but I am sure Marlene Sanford President of TREBIC will fight a ordinance like this because having the citizens most effected by a zoning case meet with the developers is unnecessary to them, as reported in a High Point Association of Realtors newsletter in August of 2005. But as you can see with a City Council like High Point who is not beholden to TREBIC , they passed this ordinance below which has helped informing neighbors in the zoning process.It is time Greensboro do the same thing for the neighbors in these zoning cases.
City of High Point
Citizen Information Meeting
(22 days prior to P&Z meeting)
This step is only required for zoning requests which include a Conditional Use Permit.
Applicants are required to notify owners of property within 300 feet of the proposed zoning site and conduct a citizen information meeting or meetings. The applicant shall submit to the citizens a written description of their development proposal and a statement, provided by the Planning & Development Department, outlining the purpose of the citizen information meeting and the zoning process. The purpose of the citizen information meeting is to allow the applicant the opportunity to inform citizens about their zoning proposal and to provide citizens the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the proposal prior to the public hearings.
Following the information meeting(s), and at least 22 days prior to the P&Z Commission meeting, the applicant is required to submit a citizen’s information meeting report. At a minimum, this report shall include the following:
Names & addresses of property owners notified and date & method of notification;
Date, time and location of the citizen information meeting(s);
Written description of the development proposal presented at the meeting; and
Any comments, ideas, or suggestions from citizens that were incorporated into the zoning
If the Citizen Information Meeting Report is not submitted by the required date, the Zoning Application will be considered incomplete and will be removed from that months P&Z agenda.
It was defeated 8-1 with Dianne Bellamy- Small the lone dissenter. The Yes votes were Rakestraw,Matheny,Wade,Perkins,Barber,Wells,Groat, and
Johnson
Once the item was open for discussion from the Mayor it didn't take long for Greensboro City Council member Zack Matheny to chime in on how he felt about this ordinance, CLICKHERE then proceed to October 21, 2008 at 3:23 mark on video. He started off by saying that at tonight's meeting they have already overturned 3 zoning commission decisions. In a later post TRIADWATCH will make a case to DUMP THE GREENSBORO ZONING COMMISSION to never decide a zoning case because the Greensboro City Council will ultimately approve your development, just like this loophole will bring back the Wedding Planner on New Garden Road under some other classification and the Friends of New Garden CLICKHERE will have to come back to council chambers for the 5th time on this piece of property.
One of the reasons why Dick Hails brought up this ordinance is because of the shenanigans of Derek "Conflict of Interest"Allen from the Brooks Pierce Law Firm who continued the Wedding Planner case right before it went to council. Then right before it was going to the City Council he withdrew the case because he didn't have the 5 votes needed, and the notification to the neighborhood was pathetic to make them go in front of council not once but twice and never make their case.It is not fair to see these lawyers and developers try maneuvers like what Derek Allen did to the Friends of New Garden.
This ordinance should have passed with flying colors but with a pro developer city council all bets are off and the citizens are the ones getting screwed in the process.
Zack Matheny also stated that neighborhoods are involved in the process.
If you have seen some of these zoning cases lately that is not the case. For example, Kim Reittinger brought up a rezoning case off of New Garden Road in front of the zoning commission on October 14, 2008 she stated that she had spoke to neighbors, no one opposing it, which was a lie to the zoning commission and to note she didn't have a neighborhood meeting at all. Come to find out from a representative on robinridge road and the turner hills neighborhood almost 101 out of 108 homes were against this rezoning case and their presentation showed a colored map of all the homes against this zoning case .Let's also ask the Garden Lake area or the neighbors off of Friendly Avenue and how about the neighborhood off of Rehobeth Church Road who had the developer bring up the same case again a few months later for approval how they feel about the process in Greensboro. This process is broken and to make the neighborhoods keep on coming back up in front of City Council again and again is not acceptable.
Other cities have different ways when zoning cases get denied but to do nothing like Greensboro did with this vote and to see Dick Hails from the Planning Department bring up a reasonable ordinance to no avail really shows what a pro development city council acts like when a reasonable ordinance is denied.
But as you can see from the vote and seeing Matheny,Perkins and Barber chime in on this ordinance it was apparent that they got their marching orders from the Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition otherwise known around these neck of the woods as the TREBIC CARTEL.
The icing on the cake came from Greensboro City Council Member Mike Barber.Here is what he said about developers bringing back up zoning cases in front of the city. CLICKHERE then proceed to October 21, 2008 3:26 mark on video.
"If somebody wants to bring back a half a dozen times . We should hold the door for them,hug their neck, give them a coke, figure out a way to build what they want to build because it's a new day and if we don't grow tax base , we will raise their taxes."
As you can see where Mike Barber stands on the issue not one regard for these neighborhoods who have to come up in front of zoning, and council to make their case against this unwanted development over and over again. But to hear him say "build them what they want to build" is proof that TREBIC CARTEL is and will get their way on the Greensboro City Council no matter what happens.
The only council member who spoke for the citizens of Greensboro was Dianne Bellamy-Small but as you can see from the vote nobody was listening.
2009 will be a pivotal year in Greensboro politics. It might be time to have some formidable candidates to compete against this pro development Greensboro City Council and make a change for the better . The time has come to have a "DUMP THE DEVELOPER PARTY" on Greensboro City Council in fall of 2009.
Below is a part of the process in High Point N.C. . Where before a case gets to the Planning and Zoning Commission they have already met with the neighbors.This process needs to be a part of the process in Greensboro but I am sure Marlene Sanford President of TREBIC will fight a ordinance like this because having the citizens most effected by a zoning case meet with the developers is unnecessary to them, as reported in a High Point Association of Realtors newsletter in August of 2005. But as you can see with a City Council like High Point who is not beholden to TREBIC , they passed this ordinance below which has helped informing neighbors in the zoning process.It is time Greensboro do the same thing for the neighbors in these zoning cases.
City of High Point
Citizen Information Meeting
(22 days prior to P&Z meeting)
This step is only required for zoning requests which include a Conditional Use Permit.
Applicants are required to notify owners of property within 300 feet of the proposed zoning site and conduct a citizen information meeting or meetings. The applicant shall submit to the citizens a written description of their development proposal and a statement, provided by the Planning & Development Department, outlining the purpose of the citizen information meeting and the zoning process. The purpose of the citizen information meeting is to allow the applicant the opportunity to inform citizens about their zoning proposal and to provide citizens the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the proposal prior to the public hearings.
Following the information meeting(s), and at least 22 days prior to the P&Z Commission meeting, the applicant is required to submit a citizen’s information meeting report. At a minimum, this report shall include the following:
Names & addresses of property owners notified and date & method of notification;
Date, time and location of the citizen information meeting(s);
Written description of the development proposal presented at the meeting; and
Any comments, ideas, or suggestions from citizens that were incorporated into the zoning
If the Citizen Information Meeting Report is not submitted by the required date, the Zoning Application will be considered incomplete and will be removed from that months P&Z agenda.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
NCDOT UNEQUITY DISTRIBUTION FORMULA ON A CHART WOW
HAT TIP UNDERCOVER URBANIST ON EDCONE.COM CLICKHERE
Over at Ed Cone's Blog there was a person by the name of undercover urbanist who had this to say. "Ed, another fun one is to talk to them about the "equity formula" in NCDOT spending. This is where the economically productive areas of the state (read: cities and suburbs) have their taxes taken from them to build roads in areas that are less economically productive. (read: rural areas)
A terrific chart demonstrating this hideous display of socialism(PDF) .
Another post earlier in the year at the News and Observer CLICKHERE titled N.C. Road Building Still Mired in Politics.
To see the chart on the North Carolina Transportation Tax Return Rates by County really says it all. You can see the chart by clicking on the title of this post above. When you see a chart like this and also look at the return ratio by counties in the state of North Carolina, it really hits home as to where our NCDOT is really missing the boat . How many of us in the TRIAD travel down to Charlotte for meetings, seeing friends or going to the Panthers game and are still amazed to this day that there isn't a 8 lane highway between the TRIAD and metropolitan Charlotte the whole way down. The bottlenecks on I-85 and I-77 down to Charlotte are a nightmare. How many of us in the TRIAD are nervous crossing the Yadkin River I-85 bridge, it seems like Rep. Fred Steen R-Rowan County feels that NCDOT needs to dismantle CLICKHERE .
Time for a change at NCDOT, and we will see what the next governor can do about it.
Over at Ed Cone's Blog there was a person by the name of undercover urbanist who had this to say. "Ed, another fun one is to talk to them about the "equity formula" in NCDOT spending. This is where the economically productive areas of the state (read: cities and suburbs) have their taxes taken from them to build roads in areas that are less economically productive. (read: rural areas)
A terrific chart demonstrating this hideous display of socialism(PDF) .
Another post earlier in the year at the News and Observer CLICKHERE titled N.C. Road Building Still Mired in Politics.
To see the chart on the North Carolina Transportation Tax Return Rates by County really says it all. You can see the chart by clicking on the title of this post above. When you see a chart like this and also look at the return ratio by counties in the state of North Carolina, it really hits home as to where our NCDOT is really missing the boat . How many of us in the TRIAD travel down to Charlotte for meetings, seeing friends or going to the Panthers game and are still amazed to this day that there isn't a 8 lane highway between the TRIAD and metropolitan Charlotte the whole way down. The bottlenecks on I-85 and I-77 down to Charlotte are a nightmare. How many of us in the TRIAD are nervous crossing the Yadkin River I-85 bridge, it seems like Rep. Fred Steen R-Rowan County feels that NCDOT needs to dismantle CLICKHERE .
Time for a change at NCDOT, and we will see what the next governor can do about it.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Greensboro City Memo,Technical Review Committee and TREBIC CARTEL Are Too Close for Comfort
As you can see below that the Greensboro Technical Review Committee (TRC) which is made up of staff members from various departments within the City of Greensboro, this week sent out their agenda.In this agenda at #6 look below highlighted in RED is a meeting today at the Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition office also known as the "TREBIC CARTEL" . This is just another example of the cozy relationship with this Special Interest Group and the City of Greensboro. Is the public allowed to go?What is discussed?Are there minutes from this meeting?These are the questions that need to get answered.
The City of Greensboro needs to quit these type of relationships or needs to be held accountable and transparent on what happens at these meetings . This type of outing is meant to curry favor with the TRC Board show them a good meal and vote in the favor of TREBIC.
To also see this memo come from Dick Hails, head of the Greensboro Planning Department and say "Trebic Meeting Reminder" just goes to show you how far this special interest is inbedded into local government and needs to stop.
It is time that citizens in the Triad and especially in Greensboro let their council members know that the influence of TREBIC needs to come to a end . No more putting TREBIC members on any board or commission. This special interest reminds me of the Fox guarding the hen house.Enough is enough
________________________________________________________
* * * * * * AGENDA * * * * * * *
TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 1:30 PM
Lake Townsend Room, WROC, 2602 South Elm-Eugene Street
1. Call to Order:
Members:
Engineering & Inspections Dept.
Parks & Recreation Dept.
Planning Administration
Planning Services Division
Transportation Dept.
Water Resources (Engineering Division)
Water Resources (Stormwater Division)
2. Sketch Plan: None
3. Consent Agenda:
· Duke Energy Tower 153 (2008-1396) – Site Plan – Jessup Lane –Proposed Unmanned Wireless Communication Site – By McCutchen Engineering Associates
4. Business Agenda:
ITEM
TYPE OF APR
CONDITIONS & MODIFICATONS
A. Innisbrook Village, Revised (2008-1899) – McConnell Road – For Innisbrook Village, LLC – Presented by Steve Galanti
TENTATIVE
Group Development
Stormwater
Utilities
B. Souther/GRG Subdivision (2008-1876) – Summit Avenue and 16th Street – 2 lots, 8.349 ac. – By Fleming Engineering – Presented by Steve Galanti
TENTATIVE
Preliminary Subdivision
Watershed
C. McConnell Lot 3, Rough Grading Plan (2008-1615) – 4751 McConnell Center Drive – For Windsor Commercial – 16.28 ac. – By Triad Design Group – Presented by Steve Galanti
TENTATIVE
Site
Watershed
Stormwater
5. Discussion Item:
· Greensboro Retirement Residence Revised (2007-210) – Mack Summey attending – Building has been shifted 12 feet from approved site plan.
6. Other Business:
· TREBIC Meeting Reminder – Wednesday, October 15, from 8:30 - 10 am at the TREBIC Office
7. Adjournment:
Richard W. Hails, AICP
Planning Director
300 W. Washington St.
PO Box 3136
Greensboro, NC 27402-3136
(336) 373-2922 phone
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/planning
The City of Greensboro needs to quit these type of relationships or needs to be held accountable and transparent on what happens at these meetings . This type of outing is meant to curry favor with the TRC Board show them a good meal and vote in the favor of TREBIC.
To also see this memo come from Dick Hails, head of the Greensboro Planning Department and say "Trebic Meeting Reminder" just goes to show you how far this special interest is inbedded into local government and needs to stop.
It is time that citizens in the Triad and especially in Greensboro let their council members know that the influence of TREBIC needs to come to a end . No more putting TREBIC members on any board or commission. This special interest reminds me of the Fox guarding the hen house.Enough is enough
________________________________________________________
* * * * * * AGENDA * * * * * * *
TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 1:30 PM
Lake Townsend Room, WROC, 2602 South Elm-Eugene Street
1. Call to Order:
Members:
Engineering & Inspections Dept.
Parks & Recreation Dept.
Planning Administration
Planning Services Division
Transportation Dept.
Water Resources (Engineering Division)
Water Resources (Stormwater Division)
2. Sketch Plan: None
3. Consent Agenda:
· Duke Energy Tower 153 (2008-1396) – Site Plan – Jessup Lane –Proposed Unmanned Wireless Communication Site – By McCutchen Engineering Associates
4. Business Agenda:
ITEM
TYPE OF APR
CONDITIONS & MODIFICATONS
A. Innisbrook Village, Revised (2008-1899) – McConnell Road – For Innisbrook Village, LLC – Presented by Steve Galanti
TENTATIVE
Group Development
Stormwater
Utilities
B. Souther/GRG Subdivision (2008-1876) – Summit Avenue and 16th Street – 2 lots, 8.349 ac. – By Fleming Engineering – Presented by Steve Galanti
TENTATIVE
Preliminary Subdivision
Watershed
C. McConnell Lot 3, Rough Grading Plan (2008-1615) – 4751 McConnell Center Drive – For Windsor Commercial – 16.28 ac. – By Triad Design Group – Presented by Steve Galanti
TENTATIVE
Site
Watershed
Stormwater
5. Discussion Item:
· Greensboro Retirement Residence Revised (2007-210) – Mack Summey attending – Building has been shifted 12 feet from approved site plan.
6. Other Business:
· TREBIC Meeting Reminder – Wednesday, October 15, from 8:30 - 10 am at the TREBIC Office
7. Adjournment:
Richard W. Hails, AICP
Planning Director
300 W. Washington St.
PO Box 3136
Greensboro, NC 27402-3136
(336) 373-2922 phone
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/planning
Meet up at BIlly's House on Saturday Night Time for Everyone to Put a Face with a Post or Blog
Everything is a go! Hotdogs, hamburgers, marshmallow roast, the first USA screening of Billy the Blogging Poet's appearance on Discovery Channel Canada... Billy might even read a few poems. Starts 5ish at 2509 Textile Drive on Saturday October 18th-- the only house in town with a red biplane parked in the front yard.
Google map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2509+Textile+Dr,+Greensboro,+NC+27405&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=28.749334,52.119141&ie=UTF8&ll=36.094176,-79.748147&spn=0.007144,0.012724&z=16&iwloc=addr
People might want to bring something to go on the grill or if we run out we'll ante-up and go get more. Kid friendly so bring them too.
This is a great time to get together and put faces with blog sites. Please comment here or let Billy know that you plan on coming. Hope to see you there.
Google map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2509+Textile+Dr,+Greensboro,+NC+27405&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=28.749334,52.119141&ie=UTF8&ll=36.094176,-79.748147&spn=0.007144,0.012724&z=16&iwloc=addr
People might want to bring something to go on the grill or if we run out we'll ante-up and go get more. Kid friendly so bring them too.
This is a great time to get together and put faces with blog sites. Please comment here or let Billy know that you plan on coming. Hope to see you there.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
School Board Candidate Sandra Alexander Made To Take Down Unlawful Campaign Site
HAT TIP (Roch and TRIADWATCH)
Guilford County At-Large School Board candidate Sandra Alexander was told to take down her campaign website because it violated North Carolina Law.Sandra Alexander a former English professor at N.C. A&T State University is the owner and CEO a local sightseeing tour and transportation business called Greensboro Scenic Tours. This is where as you can see from the address on her website http://www.greensboroscenictour.com/School_Board_Candidate.html
that she was promoting her candidancy on her business website in violation of election law.The website is down at the moment to take off her candidancy for school board at large, Triadwatch didn't get a print screen to show you the site but it was a place promoting her candidancy.
Triadwatch made a inquiry with the Guilford County Board of Elections to see if it is acceptable for a candidate to have her business promote her candidancy as a part of her business website.This inquiry went to the State Board of Elections who made a decision that this violated the North Carolina General Statute cited below.
§ 163‑278.15. No acceptance of contributions made by corporations, foreign and domestic, or other prohibited sources.
(a) No candidate, political committee, political party, or treasurer shall accept any contribution made by any corporation, foreign or domestic, regardless of whether such corporation does business in the State of North Carolina, or made by any business entity, labor union, professional association, or insurance company. This section does not apply with regard to entities permitted to make contributions by G.S. 163‑278.19(f).
It is great to see more candidates use the internet to get their message across unlike a certain candidate for Guilford County Commissioner At-Large named Wendell Sawyer who thinks that a non campaign is a better campaign, can't wait to see those numbers. Sorry for the sidebar on Mr. Sawyer.
Back to the post, internet sites are great to get out your point of view but having it be a part of your business site was a violation and needed to be fixed. Now if we can get all these campaign treasurers to fill out their campaign forms correctly than transparency in local campaigns and the contributors can be seen by all.Triadwatch will be looking at all campaign forms and trying to find major violations that need to be fixed for example Guilford County Commissioner Skip Alston had problems with his campaign forms that were reported to the Guilford County Board of Elections CLICKHERE by Triadwatch. The transparency in local government needs to change for the citizens of the TRIAD.Have a great weekend.
Guilford County At-Large School Board candidate Sandra Alexander was told to take down her campaign website because it violated North Carolina Law.Sandra Alexander a former English professor at N.C. A&T State University is the owner and CEO a local sightseeing tour and transportation business called Greensboro Scenic Tours. This is where as you can see from the address on her website http://www.greensboroscenictour.com/School_Board_Candidate.html
that she was promoting her candidancy on her business website in violation of election law.The website is down at the moment to take off her candidancy for school board at large, Triadwatch didn't get a print screen to show you the site but it was a place promoting her candidancy.
Triadwatch made a inquiry with the Guilford County Board of Elections to see if it is acceptable for a candidate to have her business promote her candidancy as a part of her business website.This inquiry went to the State Board of Elections who made a decision that this violated the North Carolina General Statute cited below.
§ 163‑278.15. No acceptance of contributions made by corporations, foreign and domestic, or other prohibited sources.
(a) No candidate, political committee, political party, or treasurer shall accept any contribution made by any corporation, foreign or domestic, regardless of whether such corporation does business in the State of North Carolina, or made by any business entity, labor union, professional association, or insurance company. This section does not apply with regard to entities permitted to make contributions by G.S. 163‑278.19(f).
It is great to see more candidates use the internet to get their message across unlike a certain candidate for Guilford County Commissioner At-Large named Wendell Sawyer who thinks that a non campaign is a better campaign, can't wait to see those numbers. Sorry for the sidebar on Mr. Sawyer.
Back to the post, internet sites are great to get out your point of view but having it be a part of your business site was a violation and needed to be fixed. Now if we can get all these campaign treasurers to fill out their campaign forms correctly than transparency in local campaigns and the contributors can be seen by all.Triadwatch will be looking at all campaign forms and trying to find major violations that need to be fixed for example Guilford County Commissioner Skip Alston had problems with his campaign forms that were reported to the Guilford County Board of Elections CLICKHERE by Triadwatch. The transparency in local government needs to change for the citizens of the TRIAD.Have a great weekend.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Pigs, Poultry, Politics and Kiss The ASS of the TREBIC CARTEL
Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition aka TREBIC CARTEL has a annual gathering in it's 9th year called Pigs, Poultry, and Politics- Old Fashioned Political Rally. Click on the title above or CLICKHERE
If this is a old fashioned political rally it sure is composed of the most connected sponsors who give plenty of campaign contributions to the local politicians. Let's take a closer look at who is sponsoring this political rally.
2008 Sponsorship Congress members:
President: Carroll Companies; Signature Property Group.
Governor: Fairway Outdoor Advertising; K. Hovnanian Homes.
Senator: BB&T; Brown Investment Properties; D.R. Horton Homes; ECS, Ltd.; John S. Clark Construction; Pierce Homes; Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP.
Commissioner: Arcadis G&M; Centex Homes; C.P. Morgan; Got You Floored; Hunter Higgins; Isaacson, Isaacson & Sheridan; John Davenport Engineering; New Atlantic Contracting, Inc.; Ron Guerra; Windsor Homes
________________________________________________________
This old fashioned political rally is where the TREBIC CARTEL can tell all the local politicians who runs Guilford County and where do you get your campaign contributions from.This is where Marlene Sanford President of TREBIC CARTEL can say to the local politicians just how many more TREBIC CARTEL members can we fit on these boards and commissions in Guilford County especially in the City of Greensboro .
Presidential sponsor: Carroll Companies and it's main kingpin Roy Carroll and his political action committee called "North Carolinians for Leadership in Government" . As noted before on TRIADWATCH Roy Carroll has a real cozy relationship with Greensboro City Council Member Robbie Perkins CLICKHERE
or CLICKHERE for more on Roy Carroll.
Governor Sponsor: Fairway Outdoor Advertising and it's main kingpin W.S. Morris III from Augusta Georgia, between the in kind contributions from Fairway Outdoor Advertising and the campaign contributions to local politicians he is one of the most generous campaign contributors in this county and he doesn't even live here.
Commissioner Sponsor: Isaaacson, Isaacson & Sheridan. We like to call them King Zoning Stud Henry Isaacson and his son Little King Zoning Stud Marc Isaacson because if you want to get a zoning case passed in Greensboro or Guilford County these are the one's who give plenty of money to
the local politicians campaign coffers and if you haven't seen their DOG AND PONY SHOW it is a masterpiece just go to a Greensboro City Zoning meeting to witness King Zoning Stud in action.
These are just a few of the usual suspects who will be at this Old fashioned political rally. The influence of TREBIC on the local politicians needs to come to an end. When you hear certain politicians come out and say TREBIC has been contacted and TREBIC has some interest, it only goes to show that the FOX is guarding the Hen House and each year they want everyone to know who the FOX actually is.
It is time to have a "Dump The Developer Party" on all local races in Guilford County and to expose the influence of TREBIC in this County for all to see.
If this is a old fashioned political rally it sure is composed of the most connected sponsors who give plenty of campaign contributions to the local politicians. Let's take a closer look at who is sponsoring this political rally.
2008 Sponsorship Congress members:
President: Carroll Companies; Signature Property Group.
Governor: Fairway Outdoor Advertising; K. Hovnanian Homes.
Senator: BB&T; Brown Investment Properties; D.R. Horton Homes; ECS, Ltd.; John S. Clark Construction; Pierce Homes; Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP.
Commissioner: Arcadis G&M; Centex Homes; C.P. Morgan; Got You Floored; Hunter Higgins; Isaacson, Isaacson & Sheridan; John Davenport Engineering; New Atlantic Contracting, Inc.; Ron Guerra; Windsor Homes
________________________________________________________
This old fashioned political rally is where the TREBIC CARTEL can tell all the local politicians who runs Guilford County and where do you get your campaign contributions from.This is where Marlene Sanford President of TREBIC CARTEL can say to the local politicians just how many more TREBIC CARTEL members can we fit on these boards and commissions in Guilford County especially in the City of Greensboro .
Presidential sponsor: Carroll Companies and it's main kingpin Roy Carroll and his political action committee called "North Carolinians for Leadership in Government" . As noted before on TRIADWATCH Roy Carroll has a real cozy relationship with Greensboro City Council Member Robbie Perkins CLICKHERE
or CLICKHERE for more on Roy Carroll.
Governor Sponsor: Fairway Outdoor Advertising and it's main kingpin W.S. Morris III from Augusta Georgia, between the in kind contributions from Fairway Outdoor Advertising and the campaign contributions to local politicians he is one of the most generous campaign contributors in this county and he doesn't even live here.
Commissioner Sponsor: Isaaacson, Isaacson & Sheridan. We like to call them King Zoning Stud Henry Isaacson and his son Little King Zoning Stud Marc Isaacson because if you want to get a zoning case passed in Greensboro or Guilford County these are the one's who give plenty of money to
the local politicians campaign coffers and if you haven't seen their DOG AND PONY SHOW it is a masterpiece just go to a Greensboro City Zoning meeting to witness King Zoning Stud in action.
These are just a few of the usual suspects who will be at this Old fashioned political rally. The influence of TREBIC on the local politicians needs to come to an end. When you hear certain politicians come out and say TREBIC has been contacted and TREBIC has some interest, it only goes to show that the FOX is guarding the Hen House and each year they want everyone to know who the FOX actually is.
It is time to have a "Dump The Developer Party" on all local races in Guilford County and to expose the influence of TREBIC in this County for all to see.
Let's Save The City of Greensboro $19,000
While looking at the disbursements made by the City of Greensboro Treasurer for 9-15-08 , you can see the whole disbursements from the Greensboro City Council agenda by clicking on the title of this post or CLICKHERE , then proceed to current agenda with attachments.
On page#126 vouchers issued against approved contracts for equipment, supplies & items purchased by council approval. One item that could help save the citizens of Greensboro and City Manager Mitch Johnson in their process of finding access pork in a budget is for $19,000 to pay for membership dues in the American Public Transit Association CLICKHERE .
According to the web site the Piedmont Area Regional Transportation otherwise known as PART is already a member of this association. If the city wants to save $19,000 this endeavor could go away but someone in the City of Greensboro staff will make a pitch that it is necessary to be a member of this Association where only 3 other N.C. cities are members Charlotte, Wilmington and Winston Salem according to the web site on members. Let's also add Winston Salem to the mix of doing away with this association because PART is the umbrella organization of regional transportation. Pool everyone's resources together to pay for this and save the City of Greensboro $19,000.
To TRIADWATCH this is pork that needs to be chopped up and thrown away .
On page#126 vouchers issued against approved contracts for equipment, supplies & items purchased by council approval. One item that could help save the citizens of Greensboro and City Manager Mitch Johnson in their process of finding access pork in a budget is for $19,000 to pay for membership dues in the American Public Transit Association CLICKHERE .
According to the web site the Piedmont Area Regional Transportation otherwise known as PART is already a member of this association. If the city wants to save $19,000 this endeavor could go away but someone in the City of Greensboro staff will make a pitch that it is necessary to be a member of this Association where only 3 other N.C. cities are members Charlotte, Wilmington and Winston Salem according to the web site on members. Let's also add Winston Salem to the mix of doing away with this association because PART is the umbrella organization of regional transportation. Pool everyone's resources together to pay for this and save the City of Greensboro $19,000.
To TRIADWATCH this is pork that needs to be chopped up and thrown away .
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Brooks Pierce Law Firm + Greensboro City = $72,909.64 PAYDAY
Looking at the Greensboro City Council agenda with attachments for Tuesday October 7, 2008 click title above where total disbursements from invoice number 201824 - 203172 = 18,510,473.43 that is 18 million and proceed to page #127 or CLICKHERE and proceed to current agenda with attachments it seems like a local law firm Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard for legal services for 6/08 has billed the city of Greensboro $72,909.64.
As noted before in a post on September 6, 2008 CLICKHERE . The cozy relationship between this Law Firm and the City of Greensboro is exposed for all to see. The total conflicts and ethical lapses where the city uses this law firm as their lobbyist and then has a certain lawyer who in 2006 was actually the lobbyist for the City of Greensboro bring cases up in front of the City Council needs to be brought in the open for all the citizens of Greensboro to be aware and if you have a zoning case in future and Derek Allen is representing the opposition it should be noted the history of this law firm with the City of Greensboro and make a note that Derek Allen was a lobbyist for the City of Greensboro back in 2006.
As noted before in a post on September 6, 2008 CLICKHERE . The cozy relationship between this Law Firm and the City of Greensboro is exposed for all to see. The total conflicts and ethical lapses where the city uses this law firm as their lobbyist and then has a certain lawyer who in 2006 was actually the lobbyist for the City of Greensboro bring cases up in front of the City Council needs to be brought in the open for all the citizens of Greensboro to be aware and if you have a zoning case in future and Derek Allen is representing the opposition it should be noted the history of this law firm with the City of Greensboro and make a note that Derek Allen was a lobbyist for the City of Greensboro back in 2006.
Guilford County Sample Ballot and Bottom to Top listing of Candidates
Triadwatch has compiled a listing of all the candidates for office on the Guilford County Ballot listed from bottom of the ballot to the top of the ballot , except for the judges but do have a link to the Republican and Democratic judges web site. If you are undecided or decided, thinking about a candidate and their positions, then look on the left hand side of TRIADWATCH to see all the candidates listed and links to their web site. If there is a candidate listed with no web site please post a comment with the proper link and it will be changed.
If you want to see or print out a sample ballot please click on the title above or CLICKHERE , then proceed to Composite Sample Ballot.
The Guilford County Board of Elections will offer early voting in places all over the county CLICKHERE . It is recommended to take advantage of early voting so that the lines will not be as long to vote on November 4, 2008. One of the biggest deterrants to new voters is seeing long lines at the voting booth, let's not see this happen this year. Also ,if you have a chance to see the sample ballot it is very long and will take a little bit longer to fill out than in the past. So take your time ,make your decision and be proud to vote.
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