Government


Governing Beaufort County

For Immediate Release:

Dear Ferry Tax Activists: I want to especially recognize Rep. Bill Cook (Republican, Beaufort and Pitt Counties) who took time to speak to nearly all of our NO FERRY TAX ACTIVISTS. Yesterday, at the NC General Assembly, Bill spoke to the early arriving volunteers from Beaufort, Hyde, and Pamlico Counties. Later in the morning, he made a point to speak to the small groups moving between the legislative buildings. Although I did not mention him in the lengthy follow-up... (read more)
Publisher's Note: This article originally appeared in the Beaufort Observer.

Beaufort County's economic development program has been based on false assumptions that are contradicted by the best available current research.

At the most recent "annual report presentation" by Economic Development Director Tom Thompson, as well as a recent article by Committee of 100 Chair Tom Richter it was repeated that "industry ready" buildings are essential (note that word) attracters of new businesses loca... (read more)
For Immediate Release:

Breaking News: 2 bills introduced today to abolish the ferry tax

Thank you to all ferry tax opponents who travelled to Raleigh to join the NO FERRY TAX lobbying effort at the Opening Day of the NC Legislature. Today, more than 50 ferry tax opponents from Beaufort, Hyde, and Pamlico Counties lobbied the General Assembly. We had County Commissioners and the County Manager from each county. Activists divided into groups to contact as many legislators as possible before ... (read more)
The Beaufort County Commissioners will meet for two nights in May to discuss the Beaufort County Manager's Recommendation as to what should be the cost of county government, and to what extent government should reach into all of our lives.

As we move deeper into this real estate led recession, there are some county commissioners that believe government should take a bigger role, and that Beaufort County citizens should be willing to pay higher taxes. There is; however, a differing opinion does... (read more)

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State and Federal

Publisher's note: The author of this fine report is Sara Burrows, who is an associate editor of the Carolina Journal, John Hood Publisher.

'Unconstitutional' petition process replaced with a simple majority vote

RALEIGH In what some are calling "punishment" to the cities that sued over annexation reform legislation passed last year, state lawmakers have rewritten the law so that it is even more unfavorable to cities wishing to engage in involuntary annexation.

In response to a district c... (read more)
Publisher's note: The author of this fine report is Barry Smith, who is a contributor for the Carolina Journal, John Hood Publisher.

Surviving victims would receive $50,000 tax free

RALEIGH Compensation could soon be on its way to victims of North Carolina's involuntary sterilization program that was in operation in the state for decades.

Under the bill, which was introduced Wednesday during the opening day of the General Assembly's short session, victims of the state's involuntary eugeni... (read more)
Publisher's note: The author of this fine report is Barry Smith, who is a contributor for the Carolina Journal, John Hood Publisher.

Veto overrides remain possible as long as lawmakers remain in Raleigh

RALEIGH We've had the long session, the redistricting session, the constitutional amendment session, the veto override session and skeleton sessions. Now it's time for the General Assembly to embark on what is traditionally know as the short session.

The top priority for the 2012 short ses... (read more)
Publisher's note: The author, Becki Gray, is vice president of outreach for the John Locke Foundation.

This week's "Daily Journal" guest columnist is Becki Gray (@BeckiGray), John Locke Foundation Vice President for Outreach.

RALEIGH The General Assembly reconvenes Wednesday for its short session. Traditionally, legislators use this session to make adjustments to the two-year budget passed during the long session and to address any pressing or unfinished business.

With runoff elections ... (read more)

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City Governments

Publisher's Note: This article originally appeared in the Beaufort Observer.

The Washington City Council on Monday night (5-14-12) approved the Spinrite grant of $90,000 from the City taxpayers. This $90K will match an equal amount from Beaufort County and those two local matches are anticipated to draw a $180,000 grant from the state, making a total of $360,000.

You can read the details of the proposal beginning on Page 57 of the agenda and backup material.

A significant issue, as repo... (read more)
City of Washington AgendaOpening of Meeting
Administration Building, North Market Street and East Second StreetWashington North Carolina
Monday Evening, 5:30 PM, April 23, 2012

Nondenominational Invocation

Roll Call

Approval/Amendments to Agenda

For the balance of the City of Washington's Agenda, please click to open the PDF of that May 14th meeting.... (read more)
City of Washington AgendaOpening of Meeting
Administration Building, North Market Street and East Second StreetWashington North Carolina
Monday Evening, 5:30 PM, April 23, 2012

Nondenominational Invocation

Roll Call

Approval/Amendments to Agenda

1. Approve - Beaufort County Water Districts I – VI request for three additional easements to accommodate water transmission line installation in the vicinity of the intersection of Third and Plymouth Street. (Page 2)

2. Discussion - Extra-Terri... (read more)
City of Washington AgendaOpening of Meeting
Administration Building, North Market Street and East Second StreetWashington North Carolina
Monday Evening, April 9, 2012.

Nondenominational Invocation

Roll Call

Approval of minutes from March 12 & March 26, 2012 (page 4)

Approval/Amendments to Agenda

I. Consent Agenda:

A. Approve - Youth Sports Agreement (page 42)

B. Authorize/Approve - Purchase of a Bucket Truck through the piggyback of the City of Washington's purchase order # 4684... (read more)

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World Governments

North Korean state television has reported that the 69 year North Korea Leader had passed on. The domineering dictator of a poor, pathetic nation, who could not feed its people, but found the resources to struggle to acquire nuclear weapons, suffered a stroke in 2008. Today, after 13 years of serving in a position of North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong Il is finished.

The North Korean government is one of the few true Communist / Dictator governing models remaining in this modern world,... (read more)





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