Double Porker of the Month: Rep. Jim Moran
Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) has named U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) November Porker of the Month for remarks he made during a speech on October 27, 2008 in which he praised the idea of wealth redistribution and maligned the idea that people who create wealth should be entitled to keep it. Rep. Moran, who entered politics soon after graduate school, stated in part, “Now, in the last seven years, we have had the highest corporate profit ever in American history, highest corporate profit. We’ve had the highest productivity. The American worker has produced more per person than at any time. But it hasn’t been shared and that’s the problem. Because we have been guided by a Republican administration who believes in this simplistic notion that people who have wealth are entitled to keep it and they have an antipathy towards the means of redistributing wealth.” CAGW President Tom Schatz responded, “Rep. Moran’s punitive conclusion about creating wealth reflects the prevailing ethos of the current Congress. His remarks offer a window into the soul of the congressional leadership and offer a bare-knuckled preview of the kind of confiscatory policies taxpayers can expect now that there are even fewer fiscal conservatives on Capitol Hill." Read more about the Porker of the Month.
_______________________________________________________
Double Porker of the Month: FCC Chairman Kevin Martin
Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) has named Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin Porker of the Month for using FCC funds to sponsor a NASCAR driver from his home state. The FCC will pay $355,000 to sponsor David Gilliland’s number 38 car, owned by Yates Racing, for three races, in order to raise awareness about the upcoming switch to digital television in February. Even though the commission has inundated networks with paid announcements for months, Martin considered it necessary to use additional taxpayer dollars to pay for the car and driver to bear slogans such as “Is Your TV Ready for Digital?” Not only does this expenditure show poor judgment, Martin moved forward without consulting all of the FCC commissioners. The underlying motivation for the contract has also raised eyebrows. The next President is generally expected to replace Martin as FCC Chairman, after which he may attempt to launch a political career in his home state of North Carolina, where Gilliland is based. For using taxpayer funds on an unnecessary project, diverting focus from more important telecommunications concerns, recklessly spending without consulting his peers, and attempting to use his influence to shore up his own political prospects, CAGW names FCC Chairman Kevin Martin the October 2008 Porker of the Month. Read more about the Porker of the Month.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Greensboro City Council Could Have Fixed A Problem But Blew It
The Greensboro City Council had the best opportunity to pass a reasonable ordinance to change how property owners or their conflict of interest lawyer's can bring up a continuance on a zoning case to the council or withdraw the case without any penalty.
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, andJohnson
As reported by TRIADWATCH on October 24, 2008 CLICKHERE or click on the title above. This report was named "Greensboro City Council Member Mike Barber Wants a Lovefest with Local Developers.
At tonight's Greensboro City Council meeting there was a zoning case on New Garden road where the owner of the property came in front of the Greensboro City Council and asked for a continuance in front of council. This made the robin ridge and turner hills neighbors highly upset that Kim Reittinger came in front of council to try this maneuver, CLICKHERE to see what was reported before on this zoning case.Kim Reittinger then went ahead and withdrew the case from the city council.
This case should have never got to this point but to hear mayor protemp Sandra Anderson Groat say that she thought the owner might do this shows that this is not fair to the citizens fighting these zoning cases and to have the applicant at last minute like Derek "Conflict of Interest" Allen do the same maneuver on another case off of New Garden Road shows that the Greensboro City Council might want to rethink their stance against what Dick Hails proposed back in October.
On a side note to hear mayor protemp Sandra Anderson Groat say that she met with the neighbors before the council meeting and not acknowledge before the zoning case started is not good public policy. You should let all know that you have been in contact with either side before the zoning case even starts.
This part of the process is not fair on the neighborhoods who have to continually come in front of council over and over again for no reason. But to hear Greensboro City Council member Mike Barber say "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."
This is the mentality of a pro development city council and zoning laws in Greensboro need a complete overhaul all the way down to making the applicants actually meet with the neighbors in a zoning case. It boggles the mind that the City of Greensboro encourages the meeting but doesn't require them to meet with the neighbors. If Kim Reitinger had to meet with her neighbors she would have seen all the opposition to her request and would have probably thought twice about what she made them go through.
But this case that went in front of council tonight should make the Greensboro City Council rethink their 8-1 denial back on October 21, 2008 and pass this fair and reasonable change to the ordinance that was brought to you by Dick Hails who did a lot of research on this issue.
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, andJohnson
As reported by TRIADWATCH on October 24, 2008 CLICKHERE or click on the title above. This report was named "Greensboro City Council Member Mike Barber Wants a Lovefest with Local Developers.
At tonight's Greensboro City Council meeting there was a zoning case on New Garden road where the owner of the property came in front of the Greensboro City Council and asked for a continuance in front of council. This made the robin ridge and turner hills neighbors highly upset that Kim Reittinger came in front of council to try this maneuver, CLICKHERE to see what was reported before on this zoning case.Kim Reittinger then went ahead and withdrew the case from the city council.
This case should have never got to this point but to hear mayor protemp Sandra Anderson Groat say that she thought the owner might do this shows that this is not fair to the citizens fighting these zoning cases and to have the applicant at last minute like Derek "Conflict of Interest" Allen do the same maneuver on another case off of New Garden Road shows that the Greensboro City Council might want to rethink their stance against what Dick Hails proposed back in October.
On a side note to hear mayor protemp Sandra Anderson Groat say that she met with the neighbors before the council meeting and not acknowledge before the zoning case started is not good public policy. You should let all know that you have been in contact with either side before the zoning case even starts.
This part of the process is not fair on the neighborhoods who have to continually come in front of council over and over again for no reason. But to hear Greensboro City Council member Mike Barber say "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."
This is the mentality of a pro development city council and zoning laws in Greensboro need a complete overhaul all the way down to making the applicants actually meet with the neighbors in a zoning case. It boggles the mind that the City of Greensboro encourages the meeting but doesn't require them to meet with the neighbors. If Kim Reitinger had to meet with her neighbors she would have seen all the opposition to her request and would have probably thought twice about what she made them go through.
But this case that went in front of council tonight should make the Greensboro City Council rethink their 8-1 denial back on October 21, 2008 and pass this fair and reasonable change to the ordinance that was brought to you by Dick Hails who did a lot of research on this issue.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Robbie Perkins Time To Get Some Ethics and Get Off Heart Of The Triad
Collapse of Financial Systems and Democratic Government
Financial systems and democratic government are ultimately based on trust of the administrators and clearly can and will collapse when administered by avaricious, unethical individuals.
The Heart of the Triad project should be terminated immediately to spare citizens from the unconstitutional degradation we face each time meet for another dishonest and discredited attempt at planning for our rural community.
Heart of the Triad was the vision of Greensboro City Councilman, Robbie Perkins, co-owner of NAI Piedmont Triad Commercial Properties (listed by the Business Journal as the 3rd largest). Mr. Perkins also serves on the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and until recently co-chaired the HOT Steering Committee. He continues to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee. When I suggested that HOT planning groups follow the “Ethical Principles of the American Planning Association”, he was the first to object. When I questioned his conflicts of interests and the NAI signs scattered throughout the HOT area, he replied to me, “I make no apologies for my actions”.
This unscrupulous conduct is a disgrace to the elected officials who continue to promote this concept. Does anyone have the political courage to end this fiasco?
Following the widespread public unease about the Kelo eminent domain ruling, BB&T issued a national statement that they would not participate in economic development projects involving eminent domain. This announcement was obviously a cheap PR stunt as BB&T was a $50,000 contributor to Heart of the Triad and they continue to hold a seat on the “Stakeholders’ Committee”.
The “Heart of the Triad Parkway” aka North-South Connector will be used to condemn property to pave the way for developers. High Point’s public hearing for their Major Thoroughfare Plan is to be held on November 25th at 10:00am at the High Point Chamber of Commerce. Please express your opinion!
Many local elected and appointed officials currently have personal development interests; hold positions on multiple decision-making boards or committees without ethical or legal restraint and function without transparency and accountability to the people. Guilford and Forsyth County Board of Commissioners have not adopted an ethics policy.
The undue influence of property developers and corporate interests in land-use and transportation planning is not representative of the population at large and diminishes the public trust and threatens private property rights, agricultural vitality and the environmental stability of North Carolina.
The NC General Assembly should modify the State Government Ethics Act to include all local elected and appointed officials, land-use and transportation planning boards, committees and authorities, MPOs and RPOs to include any private partnership agreements with NCDOT and to provide equity to citizens facing possible misuse of eminent domain authority without the normal recourse of representative government. These persons/organizations should be subject to all provisions of the State Government Ethics Act.
Cathy M. Poole
Coalition of Concerned Citizens of The Triad
Financial systems and democratic government are ultimately based on trust of the administrators and clearly can and will collapse when administered by avaricious, unethical individuals.
The Heart of the Triad project should be terminated immediately to spare citizens from the unconstitutional degradation we face each time meet for another dishonest and discredited attempt at planning for our rural community.
Heart of the Triad was the vision of Greensboro City Councilman, Robbie Perkins, co-owner of NAI Piedmont Triad Commercial Properties (listed by the Business Journal as the 3rd largest). Mr. Perkins also serves on the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and until recently co-chaired the HOT Steering Committee. He continues to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee. When I suggested that HOT planning groups follow the “Ethical Principles of the American Planning Association”, he was the first to object. When I questioned his conflicts of interests and the NAI signs scattered throughout the HOT area, he replied to me, “I make no apologies for my actions”.
This unscrupulous conduct is a disgrace to the elected officials who continue to promote this concept. Does anyone have the political courage to end this fiasco?
Following the widespread public unease about the Kelo eminent domain ruling, BB&T issued a national statement that they would not participate in economic development projects involving eminent domain. This announcement was obviously a cheap PR stunt as BB&T was a $50,000 contributor to Heart of the Triad and they continue to hold a seat on the “Stakeholders’ Committee”.
The “Heart of the Triad Parkway” aka North-South Connector will be used to condemn property to pave the way for developers. High Point’s public hearing for their Major Thoroughfare Plan is to be held on November 25th at 10:00am at the High Point Chamber of Commerce. Please express your opinion!
Many local elected and appointed officials currently have personal development interests; hold positions on multiple decision-making boards or committees without ethical or legal restraint and function without transparency and accountability to the people. Guilford and Forsyth County Board of Commissioners have not adopted an ethics policy.
The undue influence of property developers and corporate interests in land-use and transportation planning is not representative of the population at large and diminishes the public trust and threatens private property rights, agricultural vitality and the environmental stability of North Carolina.
The NC General Assembly should modify the State Government Ethics Act to include all local elected and appointed officials, land-use and transportation planning boards, committees and authorities, MPOs and RPOs to include any private partnership agreements with NCDOT and to provide equity to citizens facing possible misuse of eminent domain authority without the normal recourse of representative government. These persons/organizations should be subject to all provisions of the State Government Ethics Act.
Cathy M. Poole
Coalition of Concerned Citizens of The Triad
Monday, November 3, 2008
Gold Star To Kirk Perkins Campaign Contribution Forms
Gold Star To Kirk Perkins in his third quarter filing to the Guilford County Board of Elections. There was not one part missing from forms turned in . If you want to see the forms and how they should be filled out click on title above or CLICKHERE then proceed to Kirk Perkins.
Kirk Perkins is his own treasurer and to look at how he filled out the returns is a breath of fresh air because other campaign treasurers like William Depriest and Paul Gibson need to have a remedial class on how to get information on these campaign forms.
While TRIADWATCH likes to point out the forms that need help . A GOLD STAR is given to Kirk Perkins for a perfect filing with the Guilford County Board of Elections.
Kirk Perkins is his own treasurer and to look at how he filled out the returns is a breath of fresh air because other campaign treasurers like William Depriest and Paul Gibson need to have a remedial class on how to get information on these campaign forms.
While TRIADWATCH likes to point out the forms that need help . A GOLD STAR is given to Kirk Perkins for a perfect filing with the Guilford County Board of Elections.
Add Another Ridiculous Rezoning Case on New Garden Road
Time to add another ridiculous rezoning case to be appealed to the Greensboro City Council when it got a 9-0 denial from the Greensboro Zoning Board. On October 13, 2008 CLICKHERE then proceed to the 1:50 mark on video , it is case number z-08-10-003. Below it the actual case
Z-08-10-003 1302 New Garden Road (East of New Garden Road and south of
Belvidere Place) – An ordinance rezoning from RS-12
(Residential-Single Family) to CD-RM-8 (Conditional District-
Residential-Multi Family) with the following conditions:
1) All exterior lighting shall be directed towards interior of
property.
2) Buildings shall be limited to 3 stories above ground
level.
3) Access limited to one curb cut on New Garden Road.
– for a portion of the property located at 1302 New Garden
Road (0.84 Acres)
– for Kim Reittinger (Sheet 166)
________________________________________________________
During the presentation to the Greensboro Zoning Commission here is what TRIADWATCH talked about in a earlier post on how neighborhoods are not being notified in zoning cases.
Zack Matheny Greensboro City Council Member 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 13, 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 .
________________________________________________________
Here is the letter from a neighbor named Lavon Williams who is against this rezoning case being brought up in front of the Greensboro City Council.They also have a great sample letter to send to the Greensboro City Council. Triadwatch urges everyone to send this sample letter to the Greensboro City Council. And once they see the neighborhood presentation this should be a 9-0 DENIAL from the Greensboro City Council.
The property owner of 1302 New Garden Rd. (a single plot of land located at the edge of our neighborhood) is attempting to rezone her property from a residential-singly family (RS-12) to conditional district-residential-multi family (CD-RM-8). The Planning Department and Zoning Commission have both turned down her proposal. She is now appealing the re-zoning denial to City Council. If approved by the City Council, this property of .84 acres will accommodate approximately 6 rental units. More specifically, the property owner is proposing to build a duplex apartment complex in both the front and back yards of the existing home, which she will retain. The duplexes may be up to 3 stories high! Ms. Rettinger noted she was targeting “handicap use of college students”.
As you can imagine, a multi-family rental complex on this small plot of land is inconsistent with the character and harmony our well established and community-style neighborhood. In addition, it will decrease investment potential, and increase the already high level of traffic on New Garden. It is in direct opposition to the Greensboro 2025 Comprehensive Plan, designed to protect neighborhoods such as yours and ours. Further, allowing an absentee homeowner to convert her single residence property into multi-family rental property will set a precedence for conversion of other property in our neighborhood to be rezoned in this way, and open doors for this type of development in other neighborhoods
We know your neighborhood group FRIENDS OF NEW GARDEN understands the importance of preserving the integrity and quality of the existing neighborhoods. And, we need your help. Will you please let people in your neighborhood know about the proposed rezoning request and let them know that we are asking that concerned citizens voice their opposition to this rezoning request by:
1. Writing a letter to the City Council members. Though not as powerful, we also welcome efforts for e-mailing of City Council members at to http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/citygovernment/council/emailcouncil.htm. Be sure to put a check by all nine council members so that each will receive your message. See the sample letter of opposition below, which highlights the neighborhood’s major concerns regarding this rezoning request.
2. Attend the 5:30 PM City Council meeting on November 18 at 300 W. Washington St. It is critical to have the presence of as many people as possible to clearly demonstrate the degree of opposition to the City Council. All you need to do is show up and stand when asked to demonstrate your objection to the rezoning of 1302 New Garden Road.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide,
Lavon Williams
_________________________________________________________
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Mayor Johnson and Greensboro City Council Members,
I am writing to express my opposition to the rezoning of 1302 New Garden Rd., Greensboro, NC from residential-singly family (RS-12) to conditional district-residential-multi family (CD-RM-8). This property is part of the long-established Turner Hills/Robinridge neighborhood and is clearly intended for low-density land use. Allowing this property to accommodate up to 6 three-story rental units within a well-established and thriving single-family neighborhood is certainly out of character and harmony with the existing community. This is particularly true as the applicant is proposing to build a duplex apartment complex in both the front and back yards of the existing home, which she will retain.
The Greensboro 2025 Comprehensive plan calls for protection of “Greensboro’s neighborhoods from potential negative impacts of development, redevelopment, and/or public projects that are inconsistent with the neighborhoods’ livability, architectural, or historical character and reinvestment potential.” Though development is important to the growth and prosperity of the City of Greensboro, the value of that development will only be realized if done in a carefully planned out fashion. Transformation of a single-family residence into a 6-unit multi-family rental complex on .8 acres of land within a mature and family-centered community is not indicative of responsible and carefully constructed planning. In fact, it is contrary to the very mission of the 2025 Comprehensive plan, designed to promote the protection of established neighborhoods and ensure the desirability and stability of residential communities.
The Planning Department, Zoning Commission, and 94% of the homeowners have acted in opposition to the rezoning of 1302 New Garden Road. Please uphold and support the decisions of these groups.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Z-08-10-003 1302 New Garden Road (East of New Garden Road and south of
Belvidere Place) – An ordinance rezoning from RS-12
(Residential-Single Family) to CD-RM-8 (Conditional District-
Residential-Multi Family) with the following conditions:
1) All exterior lighting shall be directed towards interior of
property.
2) Buildings shall be limited to 3 stories above ground
level.
3) Access limited to one curb cut on New Garden Road.
– for a portion of the property located at 1302 New Garden
Road (0.84 Acres)
– for Kim Reittinger (Sheet 166)
________________________________________________________
During the presentation to the Greensboro Zoning Commission here is what TRIADWATCH talked about in a earlier post on how neighborhoods are not being notified in zoning cases.
Zack Matheny Greensboro City Council Member 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 13, 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 .
________________________________________________________
Here is the letter from a neighbor named Lavon Williams who is against this rezoning case being brought up in front of the Greensboro City Council.They also have a great sample letter to send to the Greensboro City Council. Triadwatch urges everyone to send this sample letter to the Greensboro City Council. And once they see the neighborhood presentation this should be a 9-0 DENIAL from the Greensboro City Council.
The property owner of 1302 New Garden Rd. (a single plot of land located at the edge of our neighborhood) is attempting to rezone her property from a residential-singly family (RS-12) to conditional district-residential-multi family (CD-RM-8). The Planning Department and Zoning Commission have both turned down her proposal. She is now appealing the re-zoning denial to City Council. If approved by the City Council, this property of .84 acres will accommodate approximately 6 rental units. More specifically, the property owner is proposing to build a duplex apartment complex in both the front and back yards of the existing home, which she will retain. The duplexes may be up to 3 stories high! Ms. Rettinger noted she was targeting “handicap use of college students”.
As you can imagine, a multi-family rental complex on this small plot of land is inconsistent with the character and harmony our well established and community-style neighborhood. In addition, it will decrease investment potential, and increase the already high level of traffic on New Garden. It is in direct opposition to the Greensboro 2025 Comprehensive Plan, designed to protect neighborhoods such as yours and ours. Further, allowing an absentee homeowner to convert her single residence property into multi-family rental property will set a precedence for conversion of other property in our neighborhood to be rezoned in this way, and open doors for this type of development in other neighborhoods
We know your neighborhood group FRIENDS OF NEW GARDEN understands the importance of preserving the integrity and quality of the existing neighborhoods. And, we need your help. Will you please let people in your neighborhood know about the proposed rezoning request and let them know that we are asking that concerned citizens voice their opposition to this rezoning request by:
1. Writing a letter to the City Council members. Though not as powerful, we also welcome efforts for e-mailing of City Council members at to http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/citygovernment/council/emailcouncil.htm. Be sure to put a check by all nine council members so that each will receive your message. See the sample letter of opposition below, which highlights the neighborhood’s major concerns regarding this rezoning request.
2. Attend the 5:30 PM City Council meeting on November 18 at 300 W. Washington St. It is critical to have the presence of as many people as possible to clearly demonstrate the degree of opposition to the City Council. All you need to do is show up and stand when asked to demonstrate your objection to the rezoning of 1302 New Garden Road.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide,
Lavon Williams
_________________________________________________________
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Mayor Johnson and Greensboro City Council Members,
I am writing to express my opposition to the rezoning of 1302 New Garden Rd., Greensboro, NC from residential-singly family (RS-12) to conditional district-residential-multi family (CD-RM-8). This property is part of the long-established Turner Hills/Robinridge neighborhood and is clearly intended for low-density land use. Allowing this property to accommodate up to 6 three-story rental units within a well-established and thriving single-family neighborhood is certainly out of character and harmony with the existing community. This is particularly true as the applicant is proposing to build a duplex apartment complex in both the front and back yards of the existing home, which she will retain.
The Greensboro 2025 Comprehensive plan calls for protection of “Greensboro’s neighborhoods from potential negative impacts of development, redevelopment, and/or public projects that are inconsistent with the neighborhoods’ livability, architectural, or historical character and reinvestment potential.” Though development is important to the growth and prosperity of the City of Greensboro, the value of that development will only be realized if done in a carefully planned out fashion. Transformation of a single-family residence into a 6-unit multi-family rental complex on .8 acres of land within a mature and family-centered community is not indicative of responsible and carefully constructed planning. In fact, it is contrary to the very mission of the 2025 Comprehensive plan, designed to promote the protection of established neighborhoods and ensure the desirability and stability of residential communities.
The Planning Department, Zoning Commission, and 94% of the homeowners have acted in opposition to the rezoning of 1302 New Garden Road. Please uphold and support the decisions of these groups.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Paul Gibson Needs To Get a New Treasurer Not Himself
To be fair TRIADWATCH also looked at other candidates in Guilford COunty and noticed one of the other candidates in the race for Guilford County Commissioner had problems also.
Paul Gibson who is running for a at large seat as a Guilford County Commissioner has turned in his third quarter campaign contribution forms to the Guilford County Board of Elections.If you want to see his forms click on the title to this post above , or CLICKHERE then proceed to Paul Gibson.
The State of North Carolina has simple rules and regulations that all candidates and their treasurers have to follow. One of these North Carolina General Statutes is
§ 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; andb. Employer’s name or employer’s specific field of business activity .
Paul Gibson had over 21 out of 45 forms left empty in the areas of job title and employer's name.As reported before with the other candidate for commissioner this is not acceptable and will be reported to the Guilford County Board of Elections for purposes of amending your returns.
Here are a few of the people contributing to Paul Gibson who are not that hard to know or find the information on them.
Marilyn Green
Kay Cashion
Steve Showfety, Koury Corp.
Joe Bryan Jr. ,
Time for a change in reporting these lax campaign forms and to see close to half of your returns are left empty is not a good sign for transparency in local government.
Paul Gibson who is running for a at large seat as a Guilford County Commissioner has turned in his third quarter campaign contribution forms to the Guilford County Board of Elections.If you want to see his forms click on the title to this post above , or CLICKHERE then proceed to Paul Gibson.
The State of North Carolina has simple rules and regulations that all candidates and their treasurers have to follow. One of these North Carolina General Statutes is
§ 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; andb. Employer’s name or employer’s specific field of business activity .
Paul Gibson had over 21 out of 45 forms left empty in the areas of job title and employer's name.As reported before with the other candidate for commissioner this is not acceptable and will be reported to the Guilford County Board of Elections for purposes of amending your returns.
Here are a few of the people contributing to Paul Gibson who are not that hard to know or find the information on them.
Marilyn Green
Kay Cashion
Steve Showfety, Koury Corp.
Joe Bryan Jr. ,
Time for a change in reporting these lax campaign forms and to see close to half of your returns are left empty is not a good sign for transparency in local government.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Larry Proctor Needs To Get A New Campaign Treasurer
Larry Proctor who is running for a at large seat as a Guilford County Commissioner has turned in his third quarter campaign contribution forms to the Guilford County Board of Elections. If you want to see his forms click on the title to this post above or CLICKHERE , then proceed to Larry Proctor's name.
The State of North Carolina has simple rules and regulations that all candidates and their treasurers have to follow. One of these North Carolina General Statutes is
§ 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; andb. Employer’s name or employer’s specific field of business activity .
Larry Proctor's campaign forms are not even close to being acceptable . For example there are 56 names of campaign contributors who have left the spot on the form for occupation and employer name empty.
Sometimes you can forgive a treasurer for not getting a few of the information on the forms but to see well over 56 forms not filled out is completely against the rules and regulations of this state and needs to be corrected. There is a e-mail sent to the Guilford County Board of Elections pointing out these discrepencies and how these forms need to be amended.
Some of the names of contributors on Larry Proctor's campaign forms which are missing employer name and occupation are well known in Guilford County. For example:
Derek Allen, Lawyer Brooks Pierce Law Firm
Tom Terrell, local zoning lawyer like one above
Dena Barnes, city council summerfield
Brittany Carroll, must be Roy Carroll's daughter
Hayleigh Carroll, must be Roy Carroll's daughter
Madison Carroll, must be Roy Carroll's daughter
Vanessa Carroll, Roy Carroll's wife, you could have used your NC Leadership PAC wonder why?
William T Depriest, even your own treasurer can't fill it out completely
Stanhope Johnson,
Katherine Payne,former register of deeds
Robbie "PAVE IT" Perkins the third, Greensboro City Council
Harold Proctor ,Phil Proctor, Sherry Proctor, you can't even get your own
family members information
Bob Shaw, has no address or other information
It is not that hard to get this information but to see Larry Proctor have 56 missing campaign forms is sad to see and it is time all the candidates start doing the same thing because now TRIADWATCH will be watching all of the returns and file complaints in cases that need fixing. For example as reported before Guilford County Commissioner Skip Alston had to amend his returns because they were not filled out correctly CLICKHERE
The State of North Carolina has simple rules and regulations that all candidates and their treasurers have to follow. One of these North Carolina General Statutes is
§ 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; andb. Employer’s name or employer’s specific field of business activity .
Larry Proctor's campaign forms are not even close to being acceptable . For example there are 56 names of campaign contributors who have left the spot on the form for occupation and employer name empty.
Sometimes you can forgive a treasurer for not getting a few of the information on the forms but to see well over 56 forms not filled out is completely against the rules and regulations of this state and needs to be corrected. There is a e-mail sent to the Guilford County Board of Elections pointing out these discrepencies and how these forms need to be amended.
Some of the names of contributors on Larry Proctor's campaign forms which are missing employer name and occupation are well known in Guilford County. For example:
Derek Allen, Lawyer Brooks Pierce Law Firm
Tom Terrell, local zoning lawyer like one above
Dena Barnes, city council summerfield
Brittany Carroll, must be Roy Carroll's daughter
Hayleigh Carroll, must be Roy Carroll's daughter
Madison Carroll, must be Roy Carroll's daughter
Vanessa Carroll, Roy Carroll's wife, you could have used your NC Leadership PAC wonder why?
William T Depriest, even your own treasurer can't fill it out completely
Stanhope Johnson,
Katherine Payne,former register of deeds
Robbie "PAVE IT" Perkins the third, Greensboro City Council
Harold Proctor ,Phil Proctor, Sherry Proctor, you can't even get your own
family members information
Bob Shaw, has no address or other information
It is not that hard to get this information but to see Larry Proctor have 56 missing campaign forms is sad to see and it is time all the candidates start doing the same thing because now TRIADWATCH will be watching all of the returns and file complaints in cases that need fixing. For example as reported before Guilford County Commissioner Skip Alston had to amend his returns because they were not filled out correctly CLICKHERE
Friday, October 31, 2008
3rd Quarter Campaign Contributions in Guilford County are Online Check Out The Money
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
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
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.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)