Ed Cone writes today that local elected officials are flying to Washington D.C. to meet with our elected federal officials on securing federal money for a redevelopment project which the News & Record talked about CLICKHERE.
Here is the part of the post that needs to get a closer look and scrutiny, Ed Cone writes this,"The group will be flown to DC at no tax-payer expense by developer Roy Carroll, says Johnson." Here is the post CLICKHERE
We have a local developer in Roy Carroll who also has a local Political Action Committee call "North Carolinians for Leadership in Government " giving free airplane rides to local elected politicians in Mayor Johnson and Guilford County Commissioner Skip Alston.
Is it ethical and or legal for a local developer who already got tax incentives from both the greensboro city council and guilford county commissioners flying local elected officials to Washington D.C. ?
How will Roy Carroll report this on his political action committee?
These are some of the questions that need to be answered or talked about.
UPDATE Greensboro News & Record has an article tonight CLICKHERE
UPDATE UPDATE Guarino has a post as well CLICKHERE
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Obama Doctrine, A Tragic Silence,Obama and The Pulse, Editorial Cartoons by William Warren
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ALG Editor's Note: William Warren's award-winning cartoons published at GetLiberty.org are a free service of ALG News Bureau. They may be reused and redistributed free of charge.
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Monday, June 29, 2009
Greensboro Mayor Amends 2007 and 2008 Campaign Forms for Second Time
Greensboro Mayor Yvonne Johnson has had to amend her 2007 and 2008 Campaign Contribution forms for the second time in the past month. This all started when Triadwatch was looking at the Mayor's campaign forms and noticed that in her 2008 Mid Year report she had a negative balance of -($3,087.56) then you proceed to see her 2008 year end report CLICKHERE then proceed to yvonne johnson on list of candidates, it shows at positive balance of $12,049.01 with no reporting of any contributions from individuals or PAC's for the whole year only expenditures that equaled $2,551.40.How can a candidate go from a negative to a positive balance with no contributions being brought in? This was the question to the Guilford County Board of Elections. But as the late, great Billy Mays would say " But Wait There's More" .
If you want to see the campaign contribution forms for 2007 CLICKHERE then proceed to Yvonne Johnson this will show you that the Mayor's 35 day report was amended twice and also the 2007 year end semi annual was amended twice with the mayor's treasurer last amending the forms on 6-9-2009.
While we are on the subject of Mayor Johnson's 2007 Year End Semi Annual report . Triadwatch has also found a huge discrepancy in her contribution information not given to the Guilford County Board of Elections. To see these forms click on the title of this post above which is "Greensboro Mayor Amends 2007 and 2008 Campaign Forms for Second Time" or CLICKHERE then proceed to year end semi annual for 2007.
North Carolina election laws states the following below
NCGS 173-278.11 states
(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; andb. Employer's name or employer's specific field of business activity."
Let's take a closer look at Mayor Johnson's 2007 year end semi annual campaign contribution report.
There were a total of 46 individual contributions given and out of those 46 as stated above 40 of those forms were left empty. On top of the 40 out of 46 with the above statute there were 7 missing addresses. There was also a unusual contribution from a company called click and pledge for a total of $188.94,if these new ways of giving are going to be used in future then they need to start providing the information to the treasurers as to who gave the $188.94.
The municipal election for Greensboro is just around the corner and the treasurers of all these candidates need to be aware of election law and filling out the proper forms to make sure it is filled out correctly just ask Guilford County Commissioners Paul Gibson, Skip Alston,and candidate Larry Proctor who had to amend their returns as well. The lax reporting needs to change and the time is now.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Special Interest PAC's Guard Tax Loopholes in North Carolina Analysis from Democracy NC
Democracy North Carolina
Bob Hall
1821 Green St., Durham , NC 27705 · 919-489-1931 or 286-6000 · democracy-nc.org
A new analysis shows that three dozen of North Carolina’s biggest political action committees (PACs) donated $7 million to state candidates and political parties in the last election – and now many of the groups are scrambling to make sure their interests, including tax breaks worth at least $1 billion a year, are not harmed in the new budget being hammered out in Raleigh.
The list of top PACs includes groups of developers, attorneys, university patrons, doctors, auto dealers, state employees, teachers, and beer wholesalers, as well as executives with blue-chip firms like Progress Energy, Wachovia, Blue Cross, AT&T, and Nationwide Insurance.
The analysis by the watchdog group Democracy North Carolina shows that legislative winners in 2008 received 94 percent of the $5.7 million the big PACs donated to all legislative candidates. The PACs also gave $770,000 to gubernatorial and other statewide candidates, as well as $590,000 to political party committees, much of which gets funneled into legislative races.
On September 16, 2008 the NC Realtors Association PAC sent 106 legislative candidates a total of $169,500 in donations. The same day, the NC Telephone Cooperative’s PAC sent $66,800 to 75 legislators. The next day, the Blue Cross PAC sent $42,200 to 45 candidates and two weeks later, Bank of America’s PAC gave 84 legislative candidates $118,250. And on and on it went.
But now the budget crisis is forcing elected leaders to make hard choices that affect big donors and pit one powerful lobby against another.
Teachers are holding rallies against cuts in the education budget, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association is running full-page ads against proposals to increase the tax on its products. Both groups have PACs that gave more than $100,000 in direct contributions in 2008, plus at least another $100,000 through affiliated groups and individuals. . . .
1821 Green St., Durham , NC 27705 · 919-489-1931 or 286-6000 · democracy-nc.org
A new analysis shows that three dozen of North Carolina’s biggest political action committees (PACs) donated $7 million to state candidates and political parties in the last election – and now many of the groups are scrambling to make sure their interests, including tax breaks worth at least $1 billion a year, are not harmed in the new budget being hammered out in Raleigh.
The list of top PACs includes groups of developers, attorneys, university patrons, doctors, auto dealers, state employees, teachers, and beer wholesalers, as well as executives with blue-chip firms like Progress Energy, Wachovia, Blue Cross, AT&T, and Nationwide Insurance.
The analysis by the watchdog group Democracy North Carolina shows that legislative winners in 2008 received 94 percent of the $5.7 million the big PACs donated to all legislative candidates. The PACs also gave $770,000 to gubernatorial and other statewide candidates, as well as $590,000 to political party committees, much of which gets funneled into legislative races.
On September 16, 2008 the NC Realtors Association PAC sent 106 legislative candidates a total of $169,500 in donations. The same day, the NC Telephone Cooperative’s PAC sent $66,800 to 75 legislators. The next day, the Blue Cross PAC sent $42,200 to 45 candidates and two weeks later, Bank of America’s PAC gave 84 legislative candidates $118,250. And on and on it went.
But now the budget crisis is forcing elected leaders to make hard choices that affect big donors and pit one powerful lobby against another.
Teachers are holding rallies against cuts in the education budget, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association is running full-page ads against proposals to increase the tax on its products. Both groups have PACs that gave more than $100,000 in direct contributions in 2008, plus at least another $100,000 through affiliated groups and individuals. . . .
To see the whole analysis and to see 36 LEADING PACS IN N.C. 2008 ELECTION – DONATIONS ONLY click on the title above or CLICKHERE to go to the Democracy NC website.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Dump The Developer Party on Greensboro City Council Has A Candidate in District #3
It seems like Greensboro City Council Member Zack Matheny District #3 has some competition in the Greensboro City Council Election come fall .Ed Cone a posted this morning CLICKHERE .George Hartzman is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Financial. Here is what his bio reads:
Since 2000, George Hartzman has taught CPE concerning a philosophy called Think. George is the author of Think, What To Do Now, Think, Retirement Plan Edition, Fiduciary Guide, and Think, Investor Guide, Life Strategy.
Mr. Hartzman has worked in the financial services industry as a financial advisor, portfolio manager, and economist for 15 years.He holds degrees in communications, philosophy, and public relations from Frostburg State University.
He also has a book on amazon titled"Questions for America; An Economic, Geopolitical, Philosophical Almanac (Spiral-bound)" CLICKHERE with reviews of the book CLICKHERE .
To get to his web site CLICKHERE , it seems to me there needs to be some tweaking to this site and to separate a few things that might not pass the campaign laws of this state.
It is time to get rid of the developer influence on the Greensboro City Council and to start working for the people not the special interest or the melderec con simkins influence as a good friend will call them . Filing season starts in July and if you want to see about all the Greensboro City Council web sites please check out the left hand side of blog for a complete list of candidates and web sites.
NEWSBUSTED on TRIADWATCH for 6/26/2009 President Obama's Health Care Plan
Topics in today's show: Obama's health care plan, Obama's own doctor comes out against his health care plan, Scientists create petition against cap and trade, and Joy Behar gets her own CNN Headline News talk show.
Click on the title above or check out the embedded video above.
Love the show?
Then help spread the word by embedding it on your blog or telling your friends on Myspace and Facebook.
Think you're funny?
Send your (short) jokes to newsbusted at dialognewmedia.com.
If we use them, we'll pay you USD $50 for each one.
Starring: Jodi Miller
Director: Bruce Roundtower
Executive Producer: Matthew Sheffield
Click on the title above or check out the embedded video above.
Love the show?
Then help spread the word by embedding it on your blog or telling your friends on Myspace and Facebook.
Think you're funny?
Send your (short) jokes to newsbusted at dialognewmedia.com.
If we use them, we'll pay you USD $50 for each one.
Starring: Jodi Miller
Director: Bruce Roundtower
Executive Producer: Matthew Sheffield
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Cap and Tax, Cap and Tax Say Hell No to Cap and Tax
Net Right Nation has this post above from Rep. Eric Cantor who made this great video of what will happen to the country if the Cap & Trade bill passes.
Net Right Nation also has a post titled "The Cap and Tax Fiction" CLICKHERE
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Newsbusted is New for 6-23-2009 Protest in Iran, President Obama's Response To The Protest in Iran
Newsbusted from Newbusters.org is new for 6-23-2009 click on the video above or click on the title above.Very funny this week.
Topics in today's show: Protests in Iran, Obama's response to the protests in Iran, Hillary Clinton breaks her elbow, and PETA is upset that Obama killed a fly.
Love the show? Then help spread the word by embedding it on your blog or telling your friends on Myspace and Facebook.
Think you're funny? Send your (short) jokes to newsbusted at dialognewmedia.com. If we use them, we'll pay you USD $50 for each one.
Starring: Jodi Miller
Director: Bruce Roundtower
Executive Producer: Matthew Sheffield
Friday, June 19, 2009
Millstream and Laurel Park Homeowners Get a Temporary Restraining Order Against The City of Greensboro on Annexation
The Villages at Millstream Homeowners Association along with the Laurel Park Homeowners Association have filed a temporary restraining order against the City of Greensboro for the purpose of delaying the annexation of their subdivisions to the City of Greensboro. Below the fold is the minutes from the April 7, 2009 Greensboro City Council meeting along with the second reading on April 21, 2009 where at the end of this month these subdivisions were going to have to start paying municipal taxes but with this temporary restraining order that might not be the case.
It looks like the homeowners are not playing because their lawyer from Wilmington N.C. James Eldridge CLICKHERE is very experienced in land use law in this state.
It was said that the City of Greensboro attorney's wanted the homeowners to put up a 2.5 million dollar bond but the judge reduced that amount to $5,000 which is reasonable.More to come on this issue and will try to get a copy of the temporary restraining order next week.
Here is the article from the Greensboro News & Record on this issue from Amanda Lehmert CLICKHERE
________________________________________________________
CLICKHERE to see the video on April 7th and 21st of 2009, or click on the title above
Mayor Johnson stated that this was the time and place set for a public hearing to consider an ordinance annexing territory to the corporate limits located at Whitehurst Village at Millstream, Hartwood Village at Millstream,
and Laurel Park on Millstream Road – 151.5 acres. (2008-9A) and that the item had been continued from April 1, 2008
with no further advertising.
After the Mayor stated that there were numerous speakers for the item, it was the consensus of Council to allow each speaker three minutes.
Mr. Hails provided the history of the annexation, stated that the petitions for annexation had been submitted by the developer in 1997, 1999 and 2000, that the area had city water and sewer and that the petitions remained legally
valid. Mr. Hails further stated that staff had been involved in meetings, phone calls and letters with citizens and that their main concerns were City services and public safety for the area.
Mayor Johnson asked if anyone wished to speak to the matter.
Lyle Cunningham, 1518 Bowmore Place, requested Council extend the delay of the annexation due to the
continued economic climate, spoke to the housing market, City budget deficit, and questioned the City’s ability to provide City services which would be required to be furnished as a result of the economic climate.
Ronald Powell, 5204 Winterale Court, spoke to the number of police officers currently available to provide public safety and requested a delay in the annexation.
Police Chief Bellamy stated that the Department had 58 officers assigned to the district and clarified that additional officers that would be in place prior to the effective date of the annexation.
Interim City Manager Morgan was requested to provide Council with information regarding city services for the area.
Ronald A. Due, 1514 Guiness Drive, spoke to the definition of annexation, forced annexation, the recession and requested Council not support the annexation.
Thomas Mellenger, 5224 Cragganmore Drive, stated the lack of notification to property owners for the April, 2008 meeting, an amendment allowing withdrawal of the annexation petition, current repairs necessary in the
neighborhood and that the County provided adequate services to the neighborhood.
Jay Riuz, represented by Kelly Holmes, 1520 Coverage Bridge Road, read Mr. Ruiz’s notes by stating that 30% of the families were unable to pay homeowners dues, spoke to the amount of proposed taxes, economic state of the
City, stimulus checks and requested a continuation.
Cindy Cohen, 5222 Cragganmore Drive, requested that the annexation be delayed for 5 to 10 years, spoke to the lack of City services that recently annexed neighborhoods had received, that the neighborhood was seven miles
away from the city and asked the Council to let the City grow out to the area prior to the annexation.
Charlena Bradley Banks, 5209 Winterale Court, spoke to the recession and the unstable economy, increase in taxes, lack of City facilities and asked about amenities that the neighborhood would receive as a result of the annexation.
Corey Johnson, 5206 Winterale Court, spoke to the loss of home values, the number of foreclosures in the neighborhood, the financing aspect of the housing market, asked Council to focus on stimulating the local economy and
requested a delay.
Charles Alexander, 5315 Minion Court, stated the impact that the annexation would have on his family, effective business management and the responsibility of Council to take care of citizens.
James Perkins, 5212 Cragganmore Drive, contested the procedural aspect of the annexation, stated that the property had changed hands since the original petition had been filed, allowance for the withdrawal of the petition.
Danielle Ray, 5427 Bradburn Drive, spoke to the financial burden the annexation would place on her family, lack of information regarding the proposed annexation provided to her when she purchased her home and requested Council’s postponement of the annexation.
Marcus Bass, 1601 E. Market Street, stated concerns of the homeowners in the terms of safety issues, police coverage for the area, increased taxes, and asked for a delay.
Kelly Holmes, 1520 Covered Wagon Road, spoke to the foreclosures in the neighborhood, the environment of the community, result of increased taxes in the neighborhood, City water and sewer services, police protection for the
area and the effects the annexation would have on the community.
Darian Smalls, 5231 Cragganmore Drive, spoke to the community atmosphere of the neighborhood, schools and the hardship the annexation would have on the residents.
Jim Penrod, 5405 Cragganmore Drive, provided a summary which included the neighborhood distance from the City, lack of services, lack of a community center, bus routes, libraries, parks, and bike trails, the inadequacy of the
current fire station, stated that the neighborhood was not included on the Parks & Recreation facility map and requested delay of the annexation.
Councilmember Bellamy-Small moved to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Perkins and adopted by voice vote of Council.
Councilmember Wade made a motion to delay the annexation for a year. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Rakestraw. Council discussion ensued as to the authority to withdraw the annexation petition, the disservice to citizens that have already been annexed into the City, the delay of the annexation in April, 2008, economic challenges for all citizens
of Greensboro, the City’s responsibility to provide adequate services in a timely manner, and the possibility of delaying for another year.
The motion to delay for another year FAILED.
Councilmember Perkins moved adoption of the ordinance annexing territory to the corporate limits located at Whitehurst Village at Millstream, Hartwood Village at Millstream, and Laurel Park on Millstream Road – 151.5 acres.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Wells; the ordinance received five affirmative votes on the FIRST READING on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Bellamy-Small, Groat, Matheny, Perkins and Wells. Noes: Barber,Johnson, Rakestraw and Wade.
The City Attorney stated that the ordinance required a vote of 6-3 on the FIRST
READING to be adopted and that the ordinance would be brought back for a SECOND READING at the April 21, 2008 regular meeting of Council.
Second Reading on April 21, 2008 was same votes as above.
Section 2. The owners agree to pay to the City of Greensboro an acreage fee of five hundred twenty five dollars ($525.00) per acre for water service and five hundred twenty five dollars ($525.00) per acre for sewer service immediately prior to the time of annexation. Any utility line assessments which may have been levied by the County shall be collected either by voluntary payment or through foreclosure of same by the City. Following annexation, the property annexed shall receive the same status regarding charges and rates as any other property located inside the corporate limits of the City of Greensboro
Section 3. The owners shall be fully responsible for extending water and sewer service to the property at said owners’ expense.
Section 4. From and after the effective date of annexation, the above described territory and its citizens and property shall be subject to all debts, laws, ordinances and regulations in force within the City and shall be entitled to the same privileges and benefits thereof, subject to the provisions in Sections 2 and 3 above.
Section 5. From and after June 30, 2009, the liability for municipal taxes for the 2009-10 fiscal year and thereafter shall be due annually on the same basis as any other property within the city limits.
Section 6. That this ordinance shall become effective on and after June 30, 2009.
It looks like the homeowners are not playing because their lawyer from Wilmington N.C. James Eldridge CLICKHERE is very experienced in land use law in this state.
It was said that the City of Greensboro attorney's wanted the homeowners to put up a 2.5 million dollar bond but the judge reduced that amount to $5,000 which is reasonable.More to come on this issue and will try to get a copy of the temporary restraining order next week.
Here is the article from the Greensboro News & Record on this issue from Amanda Lehmert CLICKHERE
________________________________________________________
CLICKHERE to see the video on April 7th and 21st of 2009, or click on the title above
Mayor Johnson stated that this was the time and place set for a public hearing to consider an ordinance annexing territory to the corporate limits located at Whitehurst Village at Millstream, Hartwood Village at Millstream,
and Laurel Park on Millstream Road – 151.5 acres. (2008-9A) and that the item had been continued from April 1, 2008
with no further advertising.
After the Mayor stated that there were numerous speakers for the item, it was the consensus of Council to allow each speaker three minutes.
Mr. Hails provided the history of the annexation, stated that the petitions for annexation had been submitted by the developer in 1997, 1999 and 2000, that the area had city water and sewer and that the petitions remained legally
valid. Mr. Hails further stated that staff had been involved in meetings, phone calls and letters with citizens and that their main concerns were City services and public safety for the area.
Mayor Johnson asked if anyone wished to speak to the matter.
Lyle Cunningham, 1518 Bowmore Place, requested Council extend the delay of the annexation due to the
continued economic climate, spoke to the housing market, City budget deficit, and questioned the City’s ability to provide City services which would be required to be furnished as a result of the economic climate.
Ronald Powell, 5204 Winterale Court, spoke to the number of police officers currently available to provide public safety and requested a delay in the annexation.
Police Chief Bellamy stated that the Department had 58 officers assigned to the district and clarified that additional officers that would be in place prior to the effective date of the annexation.
Interim City Manager Morgan was requested to provide Council with information regarding city services for the area.
Ronald A. Due, 1514 Guiness Drive, spoke to the definition of annexation, forced annexation, the recession and requested Council not support the annexation.
Thomas Mellenger, 5224 Cragganmore Drive, stated the lack of notification to property owners for the April, 2008 meeting, an amendment allowing withdrawal of the annexation petition, current repairs necessary in the
neighborhood and that the County provided adequate services to the neighborhood.
Jay Riuz, represented by Kelly Holmes, 1520 Coverage Bridge Road, read Mr. Ruiz’s notes by stating that 30% of the families were unable to pay homeowners dues, spoke to the amount of proposed taxes, economic state of the
City, stimulus checks and requested a continuation.
Cindy Cohen, 5222 Cragganmore Drive, requested that the annexation be delayed for 5 to 10 years, spoke to the lack of City services that recently annexed neighborhoods had received, that the neighborhood was seven miles
away from the city and asked the Council to let the City grow out to the area prior to the annexation.
Charlena Bradley Banks, 5209 Winterale Court, spoke to the recession and the unstable economy, increase in taxes, lack of City facilities and asked about amenities that the neighborhood would receive as a result of the annexation.
Corey Johnson, 5206 Winterale Court, spoke to the loss of home values, the number of foreclosures in the neighborhood, the financing aspect of the housing market, asked Council to focus on stimulating the local economy and
requested a delay.
Charles Alexander, 5315 Minion Court, stated the impact that the annexation would have on his family, effective business management and the responsibility of Council to take care of citizens.
James Perkins, 5212 Cragganmore Drive, contested the procedural aspect of the annexation, stated that the property had changed hands since the original petition had been filed, allowance for the withdrawal of the petition.
Danielle Ray, 5427 Bradburn Drive, spoke to the financial burden the annexation would place on her family, lack of information regarding the proposed annexation provided to her when she purchased her home and requested Council’s postponement of the annexation.
Marcus Bass, 1601 E. Market Street, stated concerns of the homeowners in the terms of safety issues, police coverage for the area, increased taxes, and asked for a delay.
Kelly Holmes, 1520 Covered Wagon Road, spoke to the foreclosures in the neighborhood, the environment of the community, result of increased taxes in the neighborhood, City water and sewer services, police protection for the
area and the effects the annexation would have on the community.
Darian Smalls, 5231 Cragganmore Drive, spoke to the community atmosphere of the neighborhood, schools and the hardship the annexation would have on the residents.
Jim Penrod, 5405 Cragganmore Drive, provided a summary which included the neighborhood distance from the City, lack of services, lack of a community center, bus routes, libraries, parks, and bike trails, the inadequacy of the
current fire station, stated that the neighborhood was not included on the Parks & Recreation facility map and requested delay of the annexation.
Councilmember Bellamy-Small moved to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Perkins and adopted by voice vote of Council.
Councilmember Wade made a motion to delay the annexation for a year. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Rakestraw. Council discussion ensued as to the authority to withdraw the annexation petition, the disservice to citizens that have already been annexed into the City, the delay of the annexation in April, 2008, economic challenges for all citizens
of Greensboro, the City’s responsibility to provide adequate services in a timely manner, and the possibility of delaying for another year.
The motion to delay for another year FAILED.
Councilmember Perkins moved adoption of the ordinance annexing territory to the corporate limits located at Whitehurst Village at Millstream, Hartwood Village at Millstream, and Laurel Park on Millstream Road – 151.5 acres.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Wells; the ordinance received five affirmative votes on the FIRST READING on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Bellamy-Small, Groat, Matheny, Perkins and Wells. Noes: Barber,Johnson, Rakestraw and Wade.
The City Attorney stated that the ordinance required a vote of 6-3 on the FIRST
READING to be adopted and that the ordinance would be brought back for a SECOND READING at the April 21, 2008 regular meeting of Council.
Second Reading on April 21, 2008 was same votes as above.
Section 2. The owners agree to pay to the City of Greensboro an acreage fee of five hundred twenty five dollars ($525.00) per acre for water service and five hundred twenty five dollars ($525.00) per acre for sewer service immediately prior to the time of annexation. Any utility line assessments which may have been levied by the County shall be collected either by voluntary payment or through foreclosure of same by the City. Following annexation, the property annexed shall receive the same status regarding charges and rates as any other property located inside the corporate limits of the City of Greensboro
Section 3. The owners shall be fully responsible for extending water and sewer service to the property at said owners’ expense.
Section 4. From and after the effective date of annexation, the above described territory and its citizens and property shall be subject to all debts, laws, ordinances and regulations in force within the City and shall be entitled to the same privileges and benefits thereof, subject to the provisions in Sections 2 and 3 above.
Section 5. From and after June 30, 2009, the liability for municipal taxes for the 2009-10 fiscal year and thereafter shall be due annually on the same basis as any other property within the city limits.
Section 6. That this ordinance shall become effective on and after June 30, 2009.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Newsbusted is New for 6-16-2009 Iran's Election, Europe's Election
Topics in today's show, with video embedded above on TRIADWATCH: Iran's election, Europe's election, David Letterman attacks Sarah Palin and her daughters, and Forbes' list of the most powerful celebrities.
Love the show? Then help spread the word by embedding it on your blog or telling your friends on Myspace and Facebook.
Think you're funny? Send your (short) jokes to newsbusted at dialognewmedia.com. If we use them, we'll pay you USD $50 for each one.
Starring: Jodi Miller
Director: Bruce Roundtower
Executive Producer: Matthew Sheffield
Friday, June 12, 2009
Transparency Transparency Where Have You Been? Here Comes The Sunlight Foundation
When it comes to Transparency, there hasn't been a time like the last four weeks since our movement for an open government began.
We're on the verge of having two government transparency bills to rally behind in the House and Senate.
*the White House is hosting the Open Government Initiative to seek our best ideas in making government more open and participatory.
*thousands of new government data feeds are available through Data.gov (and we're making sure technologists around the country use it with the Apps for America 2 competition).
*the Speaker of the House has required an unprecedented level of disclosure for House Member expenditures.
*people are checking out the makeover we gave the Supreme Court. (Their website that is.)
Big month! ...and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
We're on the verge of having two government transparency bills to rally behind in the House and Senate.
*the White House is hosting the Open Government Initiative to seek our best ideas in making government more open and participatory.
*thousands of new government data feeds are available through Data.gov (and we're making sure technologists around the country use it with the Apps for America 2 competition).
*the Speaker of the House has required an unprecedented level of disclosure for House Member expenditures.
*people are checking out the makeover we gave the Supreme Court. (Their website that is.)
Big month! ...and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
What's beyond exciting for me as the new engagement director at Sunlight is to be able to jump in with all of you and keep this momentum up in Congress, in every government agency, and into the states. Were the DC summer humidity not already so overpowering, one might conjur rapidly growing snowballs. But I digress.
We want to make sure you know what's going on - and more importantly, hear what you have to say - so below is a first in what we'd like to be a bigger and longer conversation with you about what's happening to open our government because of your support.Our aim is simple: make sure we're all as informed and engaged as possible because we are taking on a monumental mission, and it's going to take all of us.
We have a lot to do to turn our government into the transparent and accountable body it was always intended to be, but there are great strides being made every day as we bring our elected leaders into the Sunlight. Take a moment and be optimistic - even if you do work in politics!
I just called a CVS on Capitol Hill and they're all stocked up on sunblock. It's a good thing, because through this summer and beyond, we're thrilled to be working with you all to make sure our leaders need much, much more of it
.Jake Brewer
Engagement Director, Sunlight Foundation CLICKHERE
More Sunlight...
- Thousands of you joined Sunlight to demand that Congress actually Read the Bill they write before it's allowed to have an impact on our lives. Amazing that congress has been allowed to operate this long without reading their legislation, but we have been seeing great progress toward making that a requirement. We just received word that there is now bipartisan sponsorship for a new 72-hour rule bill to be introduced next week. Granted, it's ridiculous that we need a law to tell those elected to serve us that they must make time to read legislation before signing it, but since we do, we'll make sure our voice is heard with a goal of delivering at least 15,000 petition signatures.
- On the Senate side, we're finally seeing headway on S.482 which will require Senate offices to report their campaign finances online. This is another no-brainer, folks. Thankfully, the Majority Leader's office has asked that it be pushed through. Sunlight's "lobbyist that lobbyist's love to hate," Lisa Rosenberg, is keeping us updated on what actions we can take, and we'll be sure to do the same for you.
- Nearly 1,000 technologists around the country have now joined Sunlight Labs in discussing, sharing, and creating applications for government through the Labs' first and now SECOND Apps for America competition. This is truly remarkable. Much of the data underneath government lies only in dark, locked recesses, and this growing army is on the front lines of shining Sunlight where it's never been before. Remember that scene in Indiana Jones where the government hides the Arc of the Covenant in that big warehouse? These guys are digging it out. Join the conversation if you're a developer; it's at least as fun as World of Warcraft ...maybe more.
- In rethinking transparency in government, we're also rethinking what it looks like. At least online. The latest in our Redesigning Government series - the Supreme Court - has gotten a lot of attention, and it's no surprise that the White House's Data.gov looks an awful lot like our mock ups. Have other ideas for sites we should help the government rethink? Send your suggestions our way!
- Our Transparency blogger network continues to grow, and we were excited this week to meet with folks from the Open Kansas Initiative. It's the type of work that we think can be replicated by active citizens in every state, and we're going to be working with people in as many states as possible to support and connect these efforts. One quick way to stay informed is to join our Transparency Blogger list-serve if thinking and writing about Transparency is up your alley.
- With House member expenditures being made open and online (an important first step in disclosure), lobbying parties heating up for the summer months (baseball tickets are all the rage apparently), and with quarterly earmark disclosures coming soon, there's going to be a lot more from our Real Time Investigations team and Party Time blogs. These are some of the crucial places online where reporters and citizen journalists come to get the scoop underneath government stories, so if you have a lead or get party invitations, please send them along
- Over the next few weeks, we're going to be launching several new insanely useful web platforms that we're eager to work with you on. Keep an eye out for the redesign of OpenCongress.org and the launch of a nationwide initiative we're calling Transparency Corps!
- Over the next few weeks, we're going to be launching several new insanely useful web platforms that we're eager to work with you on. Keep an eye out for the redesign of OpenCongress.org and the launch of a nationwide initiative we're calling Transparency Corps!
(this post was approved by Mr. Brewer for posting on Triadwatch)
AND THE NUMBER ONE IS .................
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ALG Editor’s Note: William Warren’s award-winning cartoons published at GetLiberty.org are a free service of ALG News Bureau. They may be reused and redistributed free of charge.
NEWSBUSTED on TRIADWATCH for 6/12/2009 The 20th Anniversary of Tianananmen Square
NewsBusted 2-66 NewsBusters.org
Click on the video above
Topics in today's show: The 20th anniversary of Tianananmen Square, The dismantling of GM, Dead people voting, and Bob Woodward's new book.
Love the show?
Then help spread the word by embedding it on your blog or telling your friends on Myspace and Facebook.
Think you're funny?
Send your (short) jokes to newsbusted at dialognewmedia.com. If we use them, we'll pay you USD $50 for each one.
Starring: Jodi Miller
Director: Bruce Roundtower
Executive Producer: Matthew Sheffield
Click on the video above
Topics in today's show: The 20th anniversary of Tianananmen Square, The dismantling of GM, Dead people voting, and Bob Woodward's new book.
Love the show?
Then help spread the word by embedding it on your blog or telling your friends on Myspace and Facebook.
Think you're funny?
Send your (short) jokes to newsbusted at dialognewmedia.com. If we use them, we'll pay you USD $50 for each one.
Starring: Jodi Miller
Director: Bruce Roundtower
Executive Producer: Matthew Sheffield
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Full Disclosure of the Greensboro Urban Loop Compliments of Vie De Malchance
HAT TIP (FEC)This is a full disclosure memo to the citizens of northern Greensboro North Carolina. FEC over at Vie De Malchance CLICKHERE has a great post titled "Battle Forest". In the post you will see the location of the loop in detail pictures starting at around cotswold terrace and ending up at Highway 29. If you live in this area of Greensboro and wanted to see a close up of where the loop is going to be in regards to your house please check out this post.
Also FEC has started a wiki on the URBAN LOOP and it is a great place to see everything you need to see about the urban loop and all the developers in the loop area as well in the northern part of the loop. Here is the link to the WIKI
CLICKHERE and here is the front page of the wiki
"This wiki (What I Know Is) is for Greensboro citizens to track imprudent use of her resources for personal gain. I intend to initially concentrate on property developers who built homes in the proposed northern path of the Urban Loop. "
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
INHERITED THIS CRISIS by Editorial Cartoon Writer William Warren
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Americans forLimitedGovernment Editor's Note: William Warren's award-winning cartoons published at GetLiberty.org are a free service of ALG News Bureau. They may be reused and redistributed free of charge
Voter Owned Elections Lobby Day is Wednesday June 17, 2009 Come To Raleigh
LOBBY DAY REGISTRATION CLICKHERE
Summer is here, and with it, a chance for Common Cause NC to strengthen democracy and make sure that citizens' voices are heard. In particular, we have a great chance this year to expand North Carolina's clean elections system, for both local and statewide races.We're working the halls of the legislature hard on these bills--but we can't do it alone. We need your help!
So please join us here in Raleigh for Clean Elections Lobby Day next Wednesday, June 17. The event, sponsored by our coalition group, NC Voters for Clean Elections <http://www.ncvce.org/> , will start at 9:30 am and conclude by 2 pm.
In addition to meeting activists from around the state, we will also be joined by State Treasurer Janet Cowell <http://www.nctreasurer.com/dsthome/OfficeOfTheTreasurer/Biographical> , and Rep. Rick Glazier <http://ncleg.net/gascripts/members/viewMember.pl?sChamber=House&nUserID=317> , one of our legislative champions. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to ask your elected representatives to fix our democracy by supporting clean elections!If you are planning to attend the event, please click here to register: click here to register <http://ncvce.org/2009/lobbydayreg.htm> .
Also, for those who are interested in coming, but need a ride to Raleigh, please give us a call at 919-836-0027. We have a limited capacity, but we are trying to arrange vans to carry folks from Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Fayetteville, and Greenville.We look forward to seeing you all next Wednesday here in the Capital City!
Josh Glasser
Commom Cause NC CLICKHERE
Jonathan Peterson
Democracy NC CLICKHERE
North Carolina Voters for Clean Elections CLICKHERE
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
FOLLOW THE MONEY JUST FOLLOW THE MONEY
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ALG Editor's Note: William Warren's award-winning cartoons published at GetLiberty.org are a free service of ALG News Bureau. They may be reused and redistributed free of charge.
http://blog.getliberty.org/default.asp?Display=1271
NEWSBUSTED on TRIADWATCH for 6/9/2009 Newsweek's Evan Thomas Calls President Obama God
Newsbusted is new for June 9, 2009 with video above .
Topics in today's show:
President Obama makes a speech in Cairo, President Obama's latest gaffe, Newsweek's Evan Thomas calls Obama God, and a new poll shows that Dick Cheney in more popular than Nancy Pelosi.
Love the show?
Then help spread the word by embedding it on your blog or telling your friends on Myspace and Facebook.
Think you're funny?
Send your (short) jokes to newsbusted at dialognewmedia.com.
If we use them, we'll pay you USD $50 for each one.
Starring: Jodi Miller
Director: Bruce Roundtower
Executive Producer: Matthew Sheffield
Topics in today's show:
President Obama makes a speech in Cairo, President Obama's latest gaffe, Newsweek's Evan Thomas calls Obama God, and a new poll shows that Dick Cheney in more popular than Nancy Pelosi.
Love the show?
Then help spread the word by embedding it on your blog or telling your friends on Myspace and Facebook.
Think you're funny?
Send your (short) jokes to newsbusted at dialognewmedia.com.
If we use them, we'll pay you USD $50 for each one.
Starring: Jodi Miller
Director: Bruce Roundtower
Executive Producer: Matthew Sheffield
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Tom Fetzer Running For NCGOP Chairman Ad on Democratic Corruption in N.C.
(HAT TIP) UNDERTHEDOME CLICKHERE
Tom Fetzer who is running for chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party has a new ad out which you can see in the video above. The ad talks about the democratic corruption in the State of North Carolina and showing some great examples of our last Governor Mike Easley who got a sweetheart deal on property down near the coast plus a sweetheart deal on some cars for his family members plus a sweetheart deal on flying all over the country with campaign donors and his wife Mary Easley got a sweetheart deal on a job at N.C. State University.
It will be a very interesting Republican convention next weekend and hopefully the new chairman of the Republican Party of North Carolina can make a difference in this state.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Editorial Cartoons of the Week, Pelosi Must Go,Senate GOP All Bark and No Bork, plus Empathy in the Constitution
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ALG Editor's Note: William Warren's award-winning cartoons published at GetLiberty.org are a free service of ALG News Bureau. They may be reused and redistributed free of charge.That is the above cartoon.
Here is the editorial on Nancy Pelosi called "Don't Forget About Pelosi"
Here is the editorial on the cartoon called "All Bark and No Bork" on the senate GOP. CLICKHERE
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