It seems that with every passing week liberal politicians exhibit more symptoms of a party that is slipping deeper and deeper into a psychosis. Well, psychosis might be a harsh word but the lack of a significant opposition has left them with a false sense of reality. They now can dream up problems without supplying facts and introduce the much needed (emphasis added for sarcasm) solutions without concern about possible side effects. They are limited only by their imaginations.
Senator Basnight is not immune. He recently decided that plastic bags are posing an immediate threat to us and our way of life. He says that “5 million plastic bags are used in Dare County each year but only 5% of them are recycled” and went on to say that “many” of them end up littering our beaches and highways.
It’s hard to find facts that back up these numbers but as evidenced by the solution to this alarming predicament, facts don’t really matter. As we all now know, Basnight has suggested that the answer is to tax…something. I know, I know…BIG surprise! A 10-20 cent tax per bag (and there is still some ambiguity about how this would be implemented) will eliminate their use. At least he hopes so. “I’d like the tax to generate no money. That means we’re not using them anymore.” But if any money is generated, he wants it to be directed towards environmental science scholarships.
Such a happy scenario. A problem that we can all agree on is fixed and a scholarship that could use some funding is helped. All by the mystical, magical powers of tax. This might have been more readily accepted by voters at another time but these days, when money is tight and out-of-control government spending is on display (thanks to those who attended the Tea Parties), Senator Basnight’s plan almost immediately hit a wall. People are resistant to new taxes. We want to know where our money is going. Liberals aren’t going to like this but our heightened awareness of fiscal irresponsibility has made it difficult to pull the wool over the eyes of voters across party lines. When folks wonder what exactly the Tea Parties were all about, this particular instance should illustrate our answer!
However, I feel that it should not end there. Fighting against new and unnecessary taxes has opened the door to a whole new set of questions. First and foremost; Why? This is something that we should ask of every single government official, regardless of political affiliation. It is a much harder question to answer, yet it is of equal importance if we are to hold our representatives accountable. In this situation, I ask “why now?” Why so much focus on the environment now? We all can agree that it’s a significant problem but with so many other pressing issues, why is there such an immediate focus on this one? I for one will be curious as to how much the good Senator’s campaign fund will benefit from the various environmental groups that take interest in our community. Only time will tell.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Let's hear your tea party stories...
April 15th...tax day. Its raining and unseasonably cold. This should, by all accounts, be a miserable day. But there is something special about today. People all over Currituck and surrounding counties are making preparations to attend one the several tea parties scheduled for later today. There's excitement in the air.
Something is motivating people across the United States to leave work a little early, take a long lunch, pack up the kids and stand in the rain (well, at least in Currituck we'll be standing in the rain). Its the first time in long time that Americans from both sides of the political spectrum have gathered together to make a statement about fiscal responsibility.
Over the last 16 years both parties have lost credibility with tax payers. It has become abundantly clear that irresponsibility is a bipartisan affliction. Now voters from all corners of the political landscape are joining together to speak in unison. We're letting our representatives know just how we feel. We're telling them that if there was ever a time to spend freely, it is definitely not now. Not when we are seeing our local economies falter. Not when we're feeling our personal budgets tightening. Not when the constant threat of layoffs is hanging over a house-hold like a black cloud. We can't spend money if we don't have any; does our government not have to abide by this rule?
Then again, we aren't really saying anything. This isn't how tax payers speak. This is merely a gathering of thoughts, a clearing of our collective throats before we say something. The real statement will be made the next time cast our ballots.
Something is motivating people across the United States to leave work a little early, take a long lunch, pack up the kids and stand in the rain (well, at least in Currituck we'll be standing in the rain). Its the first time in long time that Americans from both sides of the political spectrum have gathered together to make a statement about fiscal responsibility.
Over the last 16 years both parties have lost credibility with tax payers. It has become abundantly clear that irresponsibility is a bipartisan affliction. Now voters from all corners of the political landscape are joining together to speak in unison. We're letting our representatives know just how we feel. We're telling them that if there was ever a time to spend freely, it is definitely not now. Not when we are seeing our local economies falter. Not when we're feeling our personal budgets tightening. Not when the constant threat of layoffs is hanging over a house-hold like a black cloud. We can't spend money if we don't have any; does our government not have to abide by this rule?
Then again, we aren't really saying anything. This isn't how tax payers speak. This is merely a gathering of thoughts, a clearing of our collective throats before we say something. The real statement will be made the next time cast our ballots.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Same story, different economy
Since January 20th, Americans have become familiar with the liberal mantra "never waste a good crisis" (thank you Rahm Emanuel). But there is another leftist concept that utterly confuses free-thinking, right-minded individuals during a recession. It goes something like this: "If it aint' broke...tax it!" And North Carolinians will likely become more and more acquainted with the idea as our good Governor's term proceeds.
Case in point: the so-called "Sin Tax." Historically, when the economy has slowed, sales on tobacco and alcohol have remained relatively steady. Logically then (at least in the minds of democrats) State Senate Leader Marc Basnight (D-Dare) announced his support for the provisions in Gov. Bev Purdue's 21 billion dollar budget that call for a $1 per pack tax hike on cigarettes and a 5% surcharge on alcohol. They argue that the two increases on "discretionary purchases" will bring in an additional 508 million dollars for the state. Perhaps that would be the case IF the equation were as simple as higher taxes = higher revenues. Unfortunately, it's just not that easy.
It's hard to believe that our state's highest elected officials don't understand the relationship between taxes and employment. For those of us in the real world, it's pretty basic. The more expensive it is for a business to exist, the more likely it is for that business to fail. Bearing in mind that unemployment hit 10.7% last month (the highest on record for the state and currently 4th worst in the nation) the question becomes: why would Gov. Perdue raise taxes on the tobacco industry which employs about 65,000 North Carolinians? And with Dare Co. leading the way with 17.3% unemployment, why would Sen. Basnight support a tax increase on alcohol that would effectively raise the cost of business for a major portion of his county's economy,i.e., RESTAURANTS. Not to mention the "mom & pop" stores that are already fighting for their existence. Why now?
Democrats have always tried to find crafty ways to raise taxes in order to prop up failing sectors of government or to fill any budgetary gaps. This is nothing new. What IS new, however, is that due to the current state of our economy, they're running short on targets. Leaving many of their own constituents in the cross-hairs. It is times like these that illustrate one of the many fundamental flaws in the democrat agenda: It just doesn't pay to be a successful business under a liberal government. In fact, it can be down right expensive.
Case in point: the so-called "Sin Tax." Historically, when the economy has slowed, sales on tobacco and alcohol have remained relatively steady. Logically then (at least in the minds of democrats) State Senate Leader Marc Basnight (D-Dare) announced his support for the provisions in Gov. Bev Purdue's 21 billion dollar budget that call for a $1 per pack tax hike on cigarettes and a 5% surcharge on alcohol. They argue that the two increases on "discretionary purchases" will bring in an additional 508 million dollars for the state. Perhaps that would be the case IF the equation were as simple as higher taxes = higher revenues. Unfortunately, it's just not that easy.
It's hard to believe that our state's highest elected officials don't understand the relationship between taxes and employment. For those of us in the real world, it's pretty basic. The more expensive it is for a business to exist, the more likely it is for that business to fail. Bearing in mind that unemployment hit 10.7% last month (the highest on record for the state and currently 4th worst in the nation) the question becomes: why would Gov. Perdue raise taxes on the tobacco industry which employs about 65,000 North Carolinians? And with Dare Co. leading the way with 17.3% unemployment, why would Sen. Basnight support a tax increase on alcohol that would effectively raise the cost of business for a major portion of his county's economy,i.e., RESTAURANTS. Not to mention the "mom & pop" stores that are already fighting for their existence. Why now?
Democrats have always tried to find crafty ways to raise taxes in order to prop up failing sectors of government or to fill any budgetary gaps. This is nothing new. What IS new, however, is that due to the current state of our economy, they're running short on targets. Leaving many of their own constituents in the cross-hairs. It is times like these that illustrate one of the many fundamental flaws in the democrat agenda: It just doesn't pay to be a successful business under a liberal government. In fact, it can be down right expensive.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Neighborly concern or political grand-standing?
At the March 2nd BOC meeting, Commissioner Nelms volunteered to sacrifice $5000 of his (as well as his fellow commissioner's) yearly stipend in a valiant effort to prevent layoffs of county employees. What a guy... The thing is, according to County Manager Dan Scanlon, no county jobs are currently in jeopardy. Nor are there any plans to raise taxes.
In another statement, Nelms declared that members of the Board are "seven of the best paid commissioners" in the state. Well, not exactly. In fact, Chairman Etheridge later noted that some commissioners in other parts of the state are paid upwards of $30k per year.
In the spirit of unity and cohesion, one can assume that Mr. Nelms' suggestion was simply a misguided attempt to save the day and, in truth, it IS important that our represenatives on the BOC remain open to new means of saving our tax dollars and improving our community. However, one can't help but feel as though this was simply a public relations move and the cynic in me has to wonder if it was a round-about attempt to make a $5k personal donation to the commissioner's reelection campaign fund.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A Vote of Confidence!
Thanks to the wonderful citizens of Currituck, our county stands to once again move to the forefront in good government. The a-e-r-o team of Vance Aydlett, Owen Etheridge, John Rorer, and Paul O'Neal are ready to take up the torch and work hard to address the needs of our people. No longer does 'The Totem' have to take a back seat and be the brunt of partisan politics. This group will work across the board to fulfill the tasks at hand. The voters showed overwhelmingly they were disappointed in the workings of our sitting board and that they have confidence in the first new 7-member board that will be lead by the 'Reliable, Respectable, and Responsible aero team.
Thank you Currituck Voters and Congratulations to our good Candidates!
Thank you Currituck Voters and Congratulations to our good Candidates!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Nelms and Gregory = Lies and Deception--AGAIN!
Friends,
IMPORTANT!!!! PLEASE HELP ME STOP NELMS, GREGORY and MESSINA'S MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN ABOUT MY OPPOSITION TO A LOCAL OLF, AS THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO!
WHY DID THE OTHER CURRITUCK COMMISSIONERS REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE OUR VETERANS? WHY ARE THEY AND JOHNNY MESSINA, THEIR HAND-PICKED CANDIDATE, MISLEADING YOU NOW ABOUT MY ANTI-OLF POSITION?
DON'T LET THIS KIND OF DIRTY POLITICS CONTINUE TO INFLUENCE CURRITUCK.
BRING DIGNITY BACK TO OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE ON YOUR PERSONAL E-MAIL LIST SO TRUTH, NOT LIES, INFORMS THE PUBLIC.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP!
THE BELOW INFORMATION CAN BE VERIFIED AT WWW.CURRITUCKGOVERNMENT.COM AND WWW.CO.PASQUOTANK.NC.US
MY BEST REGARDS ALWAYS
Owen Etheridge
CURRITUCK ADOPTED RESOLUTION
October 15, 2007, BOC Meeting WHEREAS, the Navy and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources have proposed four new potential OLF sites in Northeast North Carolina to the Governor’s OLF Study Group on September 19, 2007; and WHEREAS, the Navy reported to the OLF Study Group that the proposed OLF would be used primarily by aircraft stationed at Oceana Naval Air Station at Virginia Beach, VA and not at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station at Havelock, NC; and WHEREAS, these new proposed sites are in addition to other Northeast North Carolina sites identified and studied in 2002 for consideration by the Navy; and WHEREAS, Northeast North Carolina would receive very few direct benefits from an OLF at any of the previously identified or newly proposed sites; and WHEREAS, Senator Elizabeth Dole has requested that there should be local support and general acceptance by the local citizens for an OLF; and WHEREAS, Northeast North Carolina would receive significant detrimental impacts on our citizens should an OLF be located in the region. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners opposes locating a new outlying landing field in Currituck County or in Northeast North Carolina; FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners believes that an OLF to primarily support Oceana Naval Air Station should be located in Virginia and not North Carolina; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners requests more representatives from the counties of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Hertford, Pasquotank, and Perquimans on the Governor’s OLF Study Group.
Commissioner Etheridge’s proposed resolution follows:
RESOLUTION WHEREAS, North Carolina has a long, distinguished history of supporting our Nation's Armed Forces, including hosting several major military installations; and WHEREAS, Governor Easley and our North Carolina US Senators have pledged cooperation with the Navy in locating an Outlying landing Field (OLF); and WHEREAS, Currituck County recognizes the value and significance of all who have served past and present in defense of our Nation and our liberties; and WHEREAS, Currituck County recognizes the need for training facilities for those who serve in the Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, everyone in our Nation benefits from the proficiency of those who defend our liberties; and WHEREAS, each community and their local governments have the right and obligation to evaluate whether hosting a military training facility requires an unfair cost-share for providing facilities that all Americans benefit from; and WHEREAS, Currituck County provided the Navy, State and Federal officials a fair opportunity to explain the considerations of locating a Naval OLF which would directly impact Currituck residents; and WHEREAS, Currituck County officials evaluated the factual details of proposed OLF locations and determined that significant populations of residents in Currituck would be adversely impacted. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners opposes the proposed locations of an OLF that adversely impact Currituck residents because all Americans benefit from an OLF and no community should bear an unfair proportion of the cost-share, and there are proposed locations where communities want the OLF to be located; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, because proposed OLF sites include locations in Northeast North Carolina, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners requests more representatives from Northeast North Carolina on the Governor's OLF Study Group
PASQUOTANK'S ADOPTED RESOLUTION
8. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OPPOSING OUTLYING LANDING FIELD:
The Board reviewed a draft resolution opposing the location of an outlying landing field in
Northeast North Carolina. Commissioner Stevenson read a resolution being proposed byCurrituck County Commissioner Owen Etheridge and suggested that Pasquotank County’sresolution be changed to reflect language in the preamble to that resolution. After brief discussion; Motion was made by Marshall Stevenson, seconded by Jeff Dixon to adopt thefollowing resolution opposing the location of an outlying landing field in
Northeast North Carolina. The motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION WHEREAS, North Carolina has a long, distinguished history of supporting our Nation’s Armed Forces,
including hosting several major military installations; and
WHEREAS, Pasquotank County recognizes the value and significance of all who have served past and
present in defense of our Nation and our liberties; and
WHEREAS, Pasquotank County recognizes the need for training facilities for those who serve in the
Armed Forces and everyone in our Nation benefits from the proficiency of those who defend our liberties;
and
WHEREAS, each community and their local governments have the right and obligation to evaluate
whether hosting a military training facility requires an unfair cost-share for providing facilities that all
Americans benefit from; and
WHEREAS, Governor Easley formed a study group charged with examining and reporting on the
strategic, environmental and economic impacts of the proposed Navy Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in
North Carolina in February of 2004; and
WHEREAS, the Navy and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources have
proposed four new potential OLF sites in Northeast North Carolina to the Governor’s OLF Study Group
on September 19, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Navy reported to the OLF Study Group that the proposed OLF would be used primarily
by aircraft stationed at Oceana Naval Air Station at Virginia Beach, VA and not at Cherry Point Marine
Corps Air Station at Havelock, NC; and
WHEREAS, these new proposed sites are in addition to other Northeast North Carolina sites identified
and studied in 2002 for consideration by the Navy; and
WHEREAS, Pasquotank County provided the Navy, State and Federal officials a fair opportunity to
explain the considerations of locating a Naval OLF which would directly impact Pasquotank residents;
and
WHEREAS, Pasquotank County officials evaluated the factual details of proposed OLF locations and
determined that Northeast North Carolina would receive very few direct benefits from an OLF at any of
the previously identified or newly proposed sites; and
WHEREAS, Senator Elizabeth Dole has requested that there should be local support and general
acceptance by the local citizens for an OLF; and
WHEREAS, Northeast North Carolina would receive significant detrimental impacts on our citizens
should an OLF be located in the region.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners opposes
locating a new outlying landing field in Pasquotank County or in Northeast North Carolina;
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners believes that an OLF
to primarily support Oceana Naval Air Station should be located in Virginia and not North Carolina;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners requests more
representatives from the counties of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Hertford, Pasquotank, and
Perquimans on the Governor’s OLF Study Group.
Adopted this the 15th day of October, 2007.
IMPORTANT!!!! PLEASE HELP ME STOP NELMS, GREGORY and MESSINA'S MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN ABOUT MY OPPOSITION TO A LOCAL OLF, AS THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO!
WHY DID THE OTHER CURRITUCK COMMISSIONERS REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE OUR VETERANS? WHY ARE THEY AND JOHNNY MESSINA, THEIR HAND-PICKED CANDIDATE, MISLEADING YOU NOW ABOUT MY ANTI-OLF POSITION?
DON'T LET THIS KIND OF DIRTY POLITICS CONTINUE TO INFLUENCE CURRITUCK.
BRING DIGNITY BACK TO OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE ON YOUR PERSONAL E-MAIL LIST SO TRUTH, NOT LIES, INFORMS THE PUBLIC.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP!
THE BELOW INFORMATION CAN BE VERIFIED AT WWW.CURRITUCKGOVERNMENT.COM AND WWW.CO.PASQUOTANK.NC.US
MY BEST REGARDS ALWAYS
Owen Etheridge
CURRITUCK ADOPTED RESOLUTION
October 15, 2007, BOC Meeting WHEREAS, the Navy and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources have proposed four new potential OLF sites in Northeast North Carolina to the Governor’s OLF Study Group on September 19, 2007; and WHEREAS, the Navy reported to the OLF Study Group that the proposed OLF would be used primarily by aircraft stationed at Oceana Naval Air Station at Virginia Beach, VA and not at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station at Havelock, NC; and WHEREAS, these new proposed sites are in addition to other Northeast North Carolina sites identified and studied in 2002 for consideration by the Navy; and WHEREAS, Northeast North Carolina would receive very few direct benefits from an OLF at any of the previously identified or newly proposed sites; and WHEREAS, Senator Elizabeth Dole has requested that there should be local support and general acceptance by the local citizens for an OLF; and WHEREAS, Northeast North Carolina would receive significant detrimental impacts on our citizens should an OLF be located in the region. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners opposes locating a new outlying landing field in Currituck County or in Northeast North Carolina; FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners believes that an OLF to primarily support Oceana Naval Air Station should be located in Virginia and not North Carolina; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners requests more representatives from the counties of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Hertford, Pasquotank, and Perquimans on the Governor’s OLF Study Group.
Commissioner Etheridge’s proposed resolution follows:
RESOLUTION WHEREAS, North Carolina has a long, distinguished history of supporting our Nation's Armed Forces, including hosting several major military installations; and WHEREAS, Governor Easley and our North Carolina US Senators have pledged cooperation with the Navy in locating an Outlying landing Field (OLF); and WHEREAS, Currituck County recognizes the value and significance of all who have served past and present in defense of our Nation and our liberties; and WHEREAS, Currituck County recognizes the need for training facilities for those who serve in the Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, everyone in our Nation benefits from the proficiency of those who defend our liberties; and WHEREAS, each community and their local governments have the right and obligation to evaluate whether hosting a military training facility requires an unfair cost-share for providing facilities that all Americans benefit from; and WHEREAS, Currituck County provided the Navy, State and Federal officials a fair opportunity to explain the considerations of locating a Naval OLF which would directly impact Currituck residents; and WHEREAS, Currituck County officials evaluated the factual details of proposed OLF locations and determined that significant populations of residents in Currituck would be adversely impacted. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners opposes the proposed locations of an OLF that adversely impact Currituck residents because all Americans benefit from an OLF and no community should bear an unfair proportion of the cost-share, and there are proposed locations where communities want the OLF to be located; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, because proposed OLF sites include locations in Northeast North Carolina, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners requests more representatives from Northeast North Carolina on the Governor's OLF Study Group
PASQUOTANK'S ADOPTED RESOLUTION
8. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OPPOSING OUTLYING LANDING FIELD:
The Board reviewed a draft resolution opposing the location of an outlying landing field in
Northeast North Carolina. Commissioner Stevenson read a resolution being proposed byCurrituck County Commissioner Owen Etheridge and suggested that Pasquotank County’sresolution be changed to reflect language in the preamble to that resolution. After brief discussion; Motion was made by Marshall Stevenson, seconded by Jeff Dixon to adopt thefollowing resolution opposing the location of an outlying landing field in
Northeast North Carolina. The motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION WHEREAS, North Carolina has a long, distinguished history of supporting our Nation’s Armed Forces,
including hosting several major military installations; and
WHEREAS, Pasquotank County recognizes the value and significance of all who have served past and
present in defense of our Nation and our liberties; and
WHEREAS, Pasquotank County recognizes the need for training facilities for those who serve in the
Armed Forces and everyone in our Nation benefits from the proficiency of those who defend our liberties;
and
WHEREAS, each community and their local governments have the right and obligation to evaluate
whether hosting a military training facility requires an unfair cost-share for providing facilities that all
Americans benefit from; and
WHEREAS, Governor Easley formed a study group charged with examining and reporting on the
strategic, environmental and economic impacts of the proposed Navy Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in
North Carolina in February of 2004; and
WHEREAS, the Navy and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources have
proposed four new potential OLF sites in Northeast North Carolina to the Governor’s OLF Study Group
on September 19, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Navy reported to the OLF Study Group that the proposed OLF would be used primarily
by aircraft stationed at Oceana Naval Air Station at Virginia Beach, VA and not at Cherry Point Marine
Corps Air Station at Havelock, NC; and
WHEREAS, these new proposed sites are in addition to other Northeast North Carolina sites identified
and studied in 2002 for consideration by the Navy; and
WHEREAS, Pasquotank County provided the Navy, State and Federal officials a fair opportunity to
explain the considerations of locating a Naval OLF which would directly impact Pasquotank residents;
and
WHEREAS, Pasquotank County officials evaluated the factual details of proposed OLF locations and
determined that Northeast North Carolina would receive very few direct benefits from an OLF at any of
the previously identified or newly proposed sites; and
WHEREAS, Senator Elizabeth Dole has requested that there should be local support and general
acceptance by the local citizens for an OLF; and
WHEREAS, Northeast North Carolina would receive significant detrimental impacts on our citizens
should an OLF be located in the region.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners opposes
locating a new outlying landing field in Pasquotank County or in Northeast North Carolina;
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners believes that an OLF
to primarily support Oceana Naval Air Station should be located in Virginia and not North Carolina;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners requests more
representatives from the counties of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Hertford, Pasquotank, and
Perquimans on the Governor’s OLF Study Group.
Adopted this the 15th day of October, 2007.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Our District 1 Candidate
Citizens of Currituck,
I am Vance Aydlett Jr and I’m a Republican candidate for the District One Currituck County Commissioner’s seat. My wife Kathy and I have lived at 120 Litchfield Lane on Knotts Island since 1977. We have one daughter Mandi who with her husband Chris and our two Grandchildren Madisan and Christopher also reside on Knotts Island. I was born and raised on the Currituck mainland and moved to Knotts Island in 1970. I retired in 2000 after having been a civilian employee of the U.S. Navy Department for 27 years.
25 of those years were with Fire and Emergency Services departments holding the various positions from trainee to Command Fire Chief. Currently I am employed part time with a firm as a fire safety consultant.
Educational Background; I graduated from J.P. Knapp High School class of 71. During my fire service career, I attended many classes and schools designed for career and professional development in all aspects of Fire and Emergency Services, Total Quality
Leadership, Personnel Management, Contract Negotiations, Interest Based Bargaining etc. I also continue to hold certifications through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress as a Fire Officer IV, Instructor II, and Inspector II.
I have lived in the county my entire life and Currituck has been a good place to live and raise a family. Now I have the time to give something back. I believe that I have developed the necessary skills to make a positive difference and be an effective County Commissioner. I believe a Commissioner is elected by the people to do the peoples business by listening to the community’s desires and being available and responsive to their needs. I also know that they should operate with honesty, integrity and openness so the people can stay informed with county business. I believe that any leader should be a better listener than a talker. I intend to make myself available to the community to hear their voices and make decisions as best as I can based on their input along with applicable rules, regulations and laws. I also intend to promote a user friendly overall government body who understands that their primary customer is the Citizens of Currituck and the number one goal is to serve the citizens. There have been many changes and community issues during my 54 years of living in Currituck. We must remember our heritage but always keep our eyes focused on the future. There are many important issues facing the county today with new ones on the horizon that impacts our citizens. A few of these are;
Property Rights vs Managed Growth-
Develop a diverse working group of citizens to insure fairness to all and to make sure that growth does not exceed county resources and infrastructure.
Economic Development-
Empower Economic Development Board to attract environmentally friendly business and industry to the county. Attracting business and higher paying job to the county will diversify the tax base.
Education-
Committed to providing best education we can afford. High School is using trailers to keep up with current growth. County must start to develop a plan for future growth, i.e. new High School, reutilization of existing schools etc.
Financial Security-
Economic downturn results in a lower revenue stream. Board needs to be very frugal in near term budget cycles. Insure funds are well spent on verifiable needs and not just “wants.”
Currituck Outer Banks Issues-
Fully explore and solicit community input on issues that impact citizen’s lives. Insure their voices are heard. Maintain some semblance of the Outer Banks cultural heritage.
Hales Lake OLF Site-
Band together with neighboring counties, cities etc, to resist this location with every means possible.
County Transportation Issues-
Is the Mid County Bridge the answer? Should other alternatives such as the Southern Shores Flyover be put on the table? Impact to our citizens in Coinjock, Aydlett, and the Currituck Outer Banks. I believe all of these items should be thoroughly explored before a decision is made. I also believe every effort possible should be made to move along the requested thoroughfare study plan for Currituck County.
Visit my web site at WWW.vanceaydlett.com for my thoughts on each of these issues.
Many of these do not have an easy answer and will require a lot of community input; however by looking forward and working together they can be solved.
Finally, if elected to this seat my commitment to you is as follows;
BE A GOOD LISTENER
BE AVAILABLE AND RESPONSIVE
STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY’S DESIRES
ALWAYS REMEMBER MY VALUES OF TRUST, INTEGRITY, AND
OPENNESS.
I am asking each of you for your support and vote in this election.
.
Sincerely,
Vance Aydlett Jr
I am Vance Aydlett Jr and I’m a Republican candidate for the District One Currituck County Commissioner’s seat. My wife Kathy and I have lived at 120 Litchfield Lane on Knotts Island since 1977. We have one daughter Mandi who with her husband Chris and our two Grandchildren Madisan and Christopher also reside on Knotts Island. I was born and raised on the Currituck mainland and moved to Knotts Island in 1970. I retired in 2000 after having been a civilian employee of the U.S. Navy Department for 27 years.
25 of those years were with Fire and Emergency Services departments holding the various positions from trainee to Command Fire Chief. Currently I am employed part time with a firm as a fire safety consultant.
Educational Background; I graduated from J.P. Knapp High School class of 71. During my fire service career, I attended many classes and schools designed for career and professional development in all aspects of Fire and Emergency Services, Total Quality
Leadership, Personnel Management, Contract Negotiations, Interest Based Bargaining etc. I also continue to hold certifications through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress as a Fire Officer IV, Instructor II, and Inspector II.
I have lived in the county my entire life and Currituck has been a good place to live and raise a family. Now I have the time to give something back. I believe that I have developed the necessary skills to make a positive difference and be an effective County Commissioner. I believe a Commissioner is elected by the people to do the peoples business by listening to the community’s desires and being available and responsive to their needs. I also know that they should operate with honesty, integrity and openness so the people can stay informed with county business. I believe that any leader should be a better listener than a talker. I intend to make myself available to the community to hear their voices and make decisions as best as I can based on their input along with applicable rules, regulations and laws. I also intend to promote a user friendly overall government body who understands that their primary customer is the Citizens of Currituck and the number one goal is to serve the citizens. There have been many changes and community issues during my 54 years of living in Currituck. We must remember our heritage but always keep our eyes focused on the future. There are many important issues facing the county today with new ones on the horizon that impacts our citizens. A few of these are;
Property Rights vs Managed Growth-
Develop a diverse working group of citizens to insure fairness to all and to make sure that growth does not exceed county resources and infrastructure.
Economic Development-
Empower Economic Development Board to attract environmentally friendly business and industry to the county. Attracting business and higher paying job to the county will diversify the tax base.
Education-
Committed to providing best education we can afford. High School is using trailers to keep up with current growth. County must start to develop a plan for future growth, i.e. new High School, reutilization of existing schools etc.
Financial Security-
Economic downturn results in a lower revenue stream. Board needs to be very frugal in near term budget cycles. Insure funds are well spent on verifiable needs and not just “wants.”
Currituck Outer Banks Issues-
Fully explore and solicit community input on issues that impact citizen’s lives. Insure their voices are heard. Maintain some semblance of the Outer Banks cultural heritage.
Hales Lake OLF Site-
Band together with neighboring counties, cities etc, to resist this location with every means possible.
County Transportation Issues-
Is the Mid County Bridge the answer? Should other alternatives such as the Southern Shores Flyover be put on the table? Impact to our citizens in Coinjock, Aydlett, and the Currituck Outer Banks. I believe all of these items should be thoroughly explored before a decision is made. I also believe every effort possible should be made to move along the requested thoroughfare study plan for Currituck County.
Visit my web site at WWW.vanceaydlett.com for my thoughts on each of these issues.
Many of these do not have an easy answer and will require a lot of community input; however by looking forward and working together they can be solved.
Finally, if elected to this seat my commitment to you is as follows;
BE A GOOD LISTENER
BE AVAILABLE AND RESPONSIVE
STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY’S DESIRES
ALWAYS REMEMBER MY VALUES OF TRUST, INTEGRITY, AND
OPENNESS.
I am asking each of you for your support and vote in this election.
.
Sincerely,
Vance Aydlett Jr
A Few Good Men!
Concerned leaders step up to make a difference in the County
Let's hear it for these wonderful and dedicated men who are stepping up to win back the government in Currituck. The next few days will bring postings by our good Republican candidates who want to make a difference and serve the citizens.
Let's hear it for these wonderful and dedicated men who are stepping up to win back the government in Currituck. The next few days will bring postings by our good Republican candidates who want to make a difference and serve the citizens.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
New Year? Same ole, same ole... a sad new report from 'the Totem'
Happy New Year!!!!
I wish I could report to you that your Board of Commissioners has taken the opportunity of a new year to turn a new leaf but unfortunately, that is not the case. In fact, it is the same old story of ignoring rules, ordinances and proper procedure in order to impose their political will.The most recent example of this was with the selection of Currituck’s new Economic Development Advisory Board members. The former board was simply ignored, no formal action taken to dismiss them and a declaration made that each member would be replaced regardless of whether their term had expired. Isn’t that a fine example of, “thank you for your service”! Our ordinance specifically lays out the requirements and selection process for filling these volunteer positions. Currituck Ordinance Division 3 Economic Development Board, Sec. 2-138 specifically states:“Citizen members of the Economic Development Board shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the BOC as follows: (I have added emphasis where I believe there have been violations of our ordinance requirements).(1) Initial appointments shall be arranged such that one appointment will expire at the end of the first year, three appointments expire at the end of the second year, and three appointments expire at the end of the third year. All subsequent appointments will be for a term of three years with such term commencing on the 1st day of January.Furthermore, each initial appointment shall be assigned to a unique Commissioner seat with that respective Commissioner being responsible for all subsequent appointments.
At Monday, January 7’s BOC meeting, this BOC over my objections chose a ballot process for selection that completely ignored these ordinance requirements. No candidates that I recommended were chosen and none of the candidates who were chosen are from my new residency district. As a result, the second largest populated residency district has no representation on this critical board. Keep in mind, this advisory board’s membership was adjusted to 7 members to specifically reflect the new residency districts and the new number of Commissioners. By choosing a ballot process which appeared to me because of Commissioner Gregory’s unique ballot to be simply a foregone conclusion as to who would be selected, I have again been stripped of authority as a duly elected Commissioner who by ordinance should have been afforded the selection of at least one position on this board. I was not even asked for recommendations until the morning of the vote. Like the State and Federal governments, board appointments are afforded both the majority and minority recognizing that both sides were duly elected and expected to be allowed to participate in the governing process on behalf of their constituents. Again, the other members of the current BOC do not seem concerned with the law or rules or the fact that the citizens of Currituck elected me to represent them in the same manner they were selected. Instead, they continue to feel license to substitute their own judgment for the will of the people as well as the law. While our County is blessed with exceptional County employees, our County Manager appears resigned to passivity. Interestingly, Commissioner Gregory had a ballot different from all others that had only 7 of the 10 candidates listed! Commissioner Bowden did not meet his obligation to vote on all issues unless recused and only selected 2 candidates rather than the required 7 needed to fill the 7 positions.For those of you wondering how this happened, how once again this BOC does the County’s business outside the rules, using improper procedures, please know I have repeatedly asked the same question. Unfortunately, perhaps since he was threatened with replacement when this BOC took office, the County Manager has taken a role of simply rubber-stamping the Chairman’s demands. When I call, I usually am told the County Manager is in a meeting and getting questions answered or calls returned have become fairly futile. Please feel free to contact me with any questions and know I will continue to strive for professional and responsive government in Currituck on your behalf.
Owen Etheridge
I wish I could report to you that your Board of Commissioners has taken the opportunity of a new year to turn a new leaf but unfortunately, that is not the case. In fact, it is the same old story of ignoring rules, ordinances and proper procedure in order to impose their political will.The most recent example of this was with the selection of Currituck’s new Economic Development Advisory Board members. The former board was simply ignored, no formal action taken to dismiss them and a declaration made that each member would be replaced regardless of whether their term had expired. Isn’t that a fine example of, “thank you for your service”! Our ordinance specifically lays out the requirements and selection process for filling these volunteer positions. Currituck Ordinance Division 3 Economic Development Board, Sec. 2-138 specifically states:“Citizen members of the Economic Development Board shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the BOC as follows: (I have added emphasis where I believe there have been violations of our ordinance requirements).(1) Initial appointments shall be arranged such that one appointment will expire at the end of the first year, three appointments expire at the end of the second year, and three appointments expire at the end of the third year. All subsequent appointments will be for a term of three years with such term commencing on the 1st day of January.Furthermore, each initial appointment shall be assigned to a unique Commissioner seat with that respective Commissioner being responsible for all subsequent appointments.
At Monday, January 7’s BOC meeting, this BOC over my objections chose a ballot process for selection that completely ignored these ordinance requirements. No candidates that I recommended were chosen and none of the candidates who were chosen are from my new residency district. As a result, the second largest populated residency district has no representation on this critical board. Keep in mind, this advisory board’s membership was adjusted to 7 members to specifically reflect the new residency districts and the new number of Commissioners. By choosing a ballot process which appeared to me because of Commissioner Gregory’s unique ballot to be simply a foregone conclusion as to who would be selected, I have again been stripped of authority as a duly elected Commissioner who by ordinance should have been afforded the selection of at least one position on this board. I was not even asked for recommendations until the morning of the vote. Like the State and Federal governments, board appointments are afforded both the majority and minority recognizing that both sides were duly elected and expected to be allowed to participate in the governing process on behalf of their constituents. Again, the other members of the current BOC do not seem concerned with the law or rules or the fact that the citizens of Currituck elected me to represent them in the same manner they were selected. Instead, they continue to feel license to substitute their own judgment for the will of the people as well as the law. While our County is blessed with exceptional County employees, our County Manager appears resigned to passivity. Interestingly, Commissioner Gregory had a ballot different from all others that had only 7 of the 10 candidates listed! Commissioner Bowden did not meet his obligation to vote on all issues unless recused and only selected 2 candidates rather than the required 7 needed to fill the 7 positions.For those of you wondering how this happened, how once again this BOC does the County’s business outside the rules, using improper procedures, please know I have repeatedly asked the same question. Unfortunately, perhaps since he was threatened with replacement when this BOC took office, the County Manager has taken a role of simply rubber-stamping the Chairman’s demands. When I call, I usually am told the County Manager is in a meeting and getting questions answered or calls returned have become fairly futile. Please feel free to contact me with any questions and know I will continue to strive for professional and responsive government in Currituck on your behalf.
Owen Etheridge
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Open Government and FOR the People---NOT!
Commissioner Etheridge is speaking out LOUDLY and often about the goings-on with this current BOC---for whatever good it does. They have consistently shown a total lack of regard for the people of our county and with each passing day they only get worse . The only positive thing I can see in their shenanigans is that the public should have a very good insight NOW into the actual character of some of these elected officials. I will be posting Commissioner Etheridge's remarks as they are received in hopes we can make a stand to let these individuals know they are OUR servants, here to do good for all of Currituck, and have no business trying to fill their own agendas.
Friends,
Below is an email request I sent to the commissioners requesting that Monday's workshop meeting be televised and taped. I had already made a verbal request and was told Chairman Nelms said no. Keep in mind, the objection to the last approved district boundaries is that the public did not supposedly know about the proposed changes, despite public meetings and mailings to every household. By taping and televising every step in the process, we do all we can to overcome that objection.Please let your opinions be known to your elected government.
Thank you.
Owen
Chairman Nelms, Vice-Chairman Gregory, Commissioner Taylor,
Due to the sensitive, important and timely nature of the subject of Monday's workshop meeting, I am requesting with great respect that it be video taped and televised exactly as our regular commissioners meetings are, live and then played several times. It is most important to provide the citizens of Currituck County as much public information and disclosure of this subject we can and televising the meeting is the most effective method we have available. We need and must have an informed public to participate in the upcoming Public Hearings.I want to remind each of you, your personal and collective pledge at your first meeting, promising to conduct Currituck's Government with full openness and disclosure.Thank you for your consideration.
Best Regards,
Owen Etheridge
Friends,
Below is an email request I sent to the commissioners requesting that Monday's workshop meeting be televised and taped. I had already made a verbal request and was told Chairman Nelms said no. Keep in mind, the objection to the last approved district boundaries is that the public did not supposedly know about the proposed changes, despite public meetings and mailings to every household. By taping and televising every step in the process, we do all we can to overcome that objection.Please let your opinions be known to your elected government.
Thank you.
Owen
Chairman Nelms, Vice-Chairman Gregory, Commissioner Taylor,
Due to the sensitive, important and timely nature of the subject of Monday's workshop meeting, I am requesting with great respect that it be video taped and televised exactly as our regular commissioners meetings are, live and then played several times. It is most important to provide the citizens of Currituck County as much public information and disclosure of this subject we can and televising the meeting is the most effective method we have available. We need and must have an informed public to participate in the upcoming Public Hearings.I want to remind each of you, your personal and collective pledge at your first meeting, promising to conduct Currituck's Government with full openness and disclosure.Thank you for your consideration.
Best Regards,
Owen Etheridge
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