Pam's Picks: Political Candidate Endorsements and Discussion

2010 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTIONS
MAY 4TH

CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS (how I will cast my ballot):

NOTE: Candidates are listed in ballot order. Click on individual names for detailed information about the candidate. Click HERE for a full explanation of my endorsement for US Senate. Click HERE for a full explanation of my endorsements for School Board.

NOTE to Unaffiliated Voters: In primary elections, unaffiliated voters have the choice of voting either a Democratic or Republican ballot. Unaffiliated voters cannot vote both Democratic and Republican primary ballots.

NOTE to New River 1 Precinct Voters: Your polling location has changed. On election day, you no longer vote at Watauga County High School. You now vote at the Boone Town Council Chambers on Blowing Rock Road.

THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY BALLOT:

US SENATE (you may pick one):
Loretta Clawson

CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT (you may pick one):
Andy Ball

COURT OF APPEALS, Race #1 (you may pick one):
Andy Ball

COURT OF APPEALS, Race #2 (you may pick one):

SCHOOL BOARD (you may pick THREE):

SHORTCUTS to The Information On This Site:
Click here for voting information (where and when you vote).
Click here to read a discussion of this year's major municipal "issues."
Click here to read an explanation of my endorsement for Mayor.
Click here to read an explanation of my endorsements for Boone Town Council.
Click here to see my sources for candidate information.
Click here to read individual Boone Mayor candidate profiles (presented in ballot order).
Click here to read individual Boone Town Council candidate profiles (presented in ballot order).

The Disclaimer: What is Pam's Picks?
“Pam’s Picks” is simply one person’s opinion about the upcoming election races. I am a Watauga County resident and have long held interest in local politics. I have researched candidate campaign platforms and records where available and sent questionnaires to school board candidates. I have supplied candidate web site references below where available. For additional information, you can follow the provided links or contact candidates directly with your questions.

What's in Pam's Picks?
Below you will find: general voting information (when and where) and information on candidates whose names will appear on the Democratic primary ballot (the candidates and races are presented in the order they will appear on your ballot). School Board elections are non-partisan races, meaning candidates do not run under a political party label.

VOTING INFORMATION
Who Can Vote this ballot?: All registered Democrats and Unaffiliated voters who reside within Watauga County. This includes ASU students who live in dormitories on campus as well as those who live in the county in off-campus housing. Registered Republicans cannot vote this ballot.

When and Where to Vote: Primary election Day proper is Tuesday, May 4th, BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THEN TO VOTE! Early “one-stop voting” is available in 3 locations this year at varying hours and dates:

The Watauga County Board of Elections (inside the Courthouse)
Thursday, April 15 (weekdays from 8AM-5PM) - Saturday, May 1st (8AM-1PM)

The Agricultural Conference Center
Thursday, April 15 (weekdays from 10AM-5PM) - Saturday, May 1st (8AM-1PM)

The Multi-Cultural Center in ASU's Student Union (Across from CrossRoads coffee shop)
Monday, April 19 - Friday, April 30 (10AM-5PM)

Not Registered to Vote?: You can now “Same Day Register and Vote.” During early one-stop voting ONLY, you can both register and vote at the same time. YOU CANNOT SAME-DAY REGISTER ON ELECTION DAY PROPER. To register and same-day vote, you will need to present identification that shows proof of Watauga County residency (i.e., one or more of the following: a driver’s license with a local address, a document from ASU showing current name and address --pink piece of paper that lists your dorm, a lease agreement, a paycheck stub, a bank statement, or a utility bill in your name that includes a local address). If you are a student, it’s a good idea to take your ASU Student ID as well.

If you vote on Election Day, where do you vote?”:
Bald Mountain: Todd Fire Department
Beaver Dam: Beaver Dam Fire Department
Blowing Rock: Blowing Rock Town Hall
Blue Ridge: Laurel Fork Baptist Church
Boone 1:  Watauga County Administration Building, beside the Courthouse
Boone 2:  ASU Student Union, Blue Ridge Ballroom
Boone 3:  Farthing Auditorium
Brushy Fork: Oak Grove Baptist Church
Cove Creek: Western Watauga Community Center
Elk: Stewart Simmons Fire Department
Laurel Creek: Cove Creek Fire Department
Meat Camp: Green Valley Elementary School
New River 1: Boone Town Hall on Blowing Rock Road
New River 2:  Three Forks Baptist Association
New River 3:  National Guard Armory
North Fork: Edgar Eller's Garage
Shawneehaw: Matney Community Center
Stony Fork: Deep Gap Fire Department
Watauga: Foscoe Fire Department
Beech Mountain: Beech Mountain Fire Department

Polls are open on Election Day, May 4th, from 6:30AM-7:30PM.

Need More Information?”: Call the Watauga County Board of Elections at 265-8061.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION SOURCES:
NOTE:Information for my discussions below come from candidate websites, newspaper articles (linked); national, state and local blogs; candidates' facebook pages where available (links provided); and responses to the following questionnaire I sent to all school board candidates on March 25th:

1. Do you support or oppose changes in Watauga's school calendar? What, if any, changes do you support?

2. Do you support or oppose school-issued laptops for Watauga County students? Please explain.

3. Do you support or oppose the teaching of "intelligent design" in Watauga County schools? Please explain.

4. Do you support or oppose the charter school concept? Would you support or oppose more charter schools in Watauga County?

5. What is your position on President Obama's proposed changes to "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB)?

US SENATE: in the order candidates will appear on your ballot.

OVERVIEW: North Carolina Democrats have a real shot at defeating incumbent Republican US Senator Richard Burr in November. The most recent Public Policy Poll at the time of this writing was made public March 17th. It showed Burr at a 35% overall approval rating (37 percent approval among unaffiliated voters). Any incumbent under 50% is considered to be in serious trouble.

Burr continues to lead his likely Democratic opponents but only because he has better name recognition: Burr holds a 41-36 advantage over Elaine Marshall and 43-32 over both Cal Cunningham and Kenneth Lewis. The poll notes, "Burr's early leads are similar to what Elizabeth Dole had against Kay Hagan two years ago. Hagan polled well behind initially because she was not well known, and the Democratic candidates this year are no different. 71% of voters have no opinion about Elaine Marshall, 85% are ambivalent toward Kenneth Lewis, and Cal Cunningham is an unknown to 86%."

I am supporting Elaine Marshall in this primary without any reservation. There are several reasons for my endorsement. For one thing, I have known Marshall personally for a long time. She is a true progressive and doesn't hedge on her opinions or actions. I am sick and tired of working for candidates who talk the progressive talk to get elected, but don't walk the progressive walk once elected. In other words, I'm done working for blue dog democrats, and I know for sure that there is no "blue dog" in Elaine Marshall. Marshall is genuine, hard-working, and has a record to prove her progressive bonafides.

As always, there are other good Democrats in this primary.

I have never met Ken Lewis, but I have to say this: the writing on his web site blog made my heart sing. Every. Single. Word. Of. It.

Even the most casual observer of Washington today knows that the U.S. Senate has drifted far from the founders’ original intent. Rather than serving the long-term, common interests of the American people, the Senate now focuses on narrow, short-term partisan gain. Filibuster abuse is only a symptom of a much larger problem. The United States Senate fundamentally is broken. And unless it changes, the Senate cannot fulfill its crucial role in our democracy. I am running for the U.S. Senate not to occupy a seat in a broken institution. I am running to bring change to the Senate.

Regardless of what shakes out for Lewis in this primary, I hope to see (and hear) a lot more from him in future years.

Marshall's closest competitor is viewed in most circles to be Cal Cunningham. I have met and like Cunningham. But here's the thing. When asked about his support for the public option in the health care bill, Cunningham said he would only vote to start debate on health care reform in the Senate. Cunningham also supports the troop surge in Afghanistan. In a Roll Call article, past NC Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek said. "He's perceived as being a little bit more liberal than, say, Mike McIntyre and Heath Shuler." Both Shuler and McIntyre voted against the health care bill, and McIntyre just signed on to voting for a full repeal of it. If Meek is right, and Cunningham is just "a little bit more liberal" than either of these two, that's just not good enough for me.

Cunningham was recruited into the Senate race by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). Washington Democrats are using their connections to help open doors to financial donors and have been providing Cunningham advice and money to defeat other Democrats in the primary. Cunningham seems to me to be a good guy, and he's a damn sight better than Burr, but quite frankly I don't like the people he's hanging out with at all. How do you take on Washington when you are Washington?

While I don't blame Cunningham for taking up the DSCC offer to help. the Washington Democrats need to butt out of our democratic primaries. We North Carolinians are capable of deciding for ourselves who we want to represent us in Washington. With Elaine Marshall we know for sure what voice we're sending up there. And it's not another insider.

NOTE: You may choose one candidate.

Marcus W. Williams: http://www.nowweshall.com

Williams is a 57-year-old criminal defense attorney from Lumberton with over 30 years of experience in assisting the economically disadvantaged and the working poor. He describes himself as a "public interest attorney" with experience in Community Economic Development Initiatives.

Williams grew up working tobacco farms and received a degree in political science from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1975. His past experience includes, among other things, staff attorney for Southern Minnesota Regional Services; Executive Director of Legal Services of the Coastal Plains; and Assistant Public Defender in Robeson county. Since 2006, Williams was worked as a private attorney in Lumberton. Williams says he is the candidate who can best represent the "common person" and whose perspective is "based not on theory but in experience." Williams says North Carolina should help small businesses and offer incentives for new start-up businesses.

In a candidate forum, Williams said he was willing to give President Obama the "benefit of the doubt" on the war in Afghanistan. Williams supports the repeal of the "don't ask don't tell" policy on gays serving in the military; supports President Obama's proposal to overhaul the "No Child Left Behind" education program; and supports a public option in the health care bill.

Williams was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of North Carolina in 1992 and for US Senate in 2008. He has been very active in the Democratic Party in New Hanover County and was a former member of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Advisory Committee.

Ann Worthy: http://annworthyforsenate.com/

I could not find out much information on Worthy, and her webpage is still under construction at the time of this writing. Worthy is from Gastonia and works as a supervisor for the Ferguson Branch of the Gaston Regional Library. She says she is not a professional politican and wants to "listen to the people."

Worthy is willing to give President Obama the "benefit of the doubt" on the war in Afghanistan. Worthy supports the repeal of the "don't ask don't tell" policy on gays serving in the military; supports President Obama's proposal to overhaul the "No Child Left Behind" education program; and supports a public option in the health care bill.

Elaine Marshall: http://www.elainemarshall.com/ and Elaine Marshall for US Senate on Facebook

Marshall earned her law degree from Campbell University. She served in the NC Senate from 1993-1994 and was recognized as a top legislator. Marshall is North Carolina’s Secretary of State and was the first woman elected to statewide executive office when she defeated NASCAR driver Richard Petty for the Secretary of State job.

As Secretary of State, Marshall has received recognition for her efforts to deter counterfeit goods; improve information technology; and for combating financial fraud. Her office has recovered over $340 million from major Wall Street banks for North Carolina investors and foundations. Marshall has a reputation and a record of taking on lobbyists in Raleigh and was instrumental in reforming North Carolina’s ethics laws.

Marshall lists among her top priorities: (1) financial regulatory reform with a new Consumer Protection Agency, (2) reforming the filibuster and how the Senate confirms lower-level Presidential nominees; (3) a winding down of the Afghanistan commitment; and (4) serious education reform "that would give educators a fair salary, do away with the unfunded federal mandates, and expand access to higher education that provides better trained educators."

Marshall opposes the troop surge in Afghanistan: "I'm fearful that we have taken our eye off of the ball by concentrating one particular area." Marshall supports the repeal of the "don't ask don't tell" policy on gays serving in the military; supports President Obama's proposal to overhaul the "No Child Left Behind" education program; and supports a public option in the health care bill. Marshall also supports funding a jobs program that includes tax credits for middle and lower income families, tax credits for businesses that expand their payroll, and extension of unemployment benefits. Marshall would pay for this program through a financial transaction fee on Wall Street banks. Marshall says, "They made a mess of that bailout. They didn't put enough oversight or restrictions on the money and they didn't force banks to increase lending. I think this will be important in the election, and I will make reforming Wall Street a major issue against Burr."

Regarding Burr's anger over the passing of the health care bill, Marshall said, “Senator Burr and his Republican colleagues need to grow up. The health care vote is over, they lost and it’s time to move on to other business. This is one more example of how Washington needs people who will get things done, not people who will stand in the way.”

Ken Lewis: http://kenlewisforsenate.com/ and Kenneth Lewis on Facebook

I've never met Ken Lewis, but I am really impressed with what he lays out on his web site, especially this:

      In 2008, with high hopes and high expectations, Americans voted for a President with a compelling vision of change.   I was one of them, yet this year many folks are wondering what happened to the change we voted for.

      In the past year the House of Representatives has passed a robust job creation bill and climate-change legislation that would have set the country on the path to a low-carbon economy and created many new jobs right here in North Carolina. It passed a comprehensive financial reform bill with an independent consumer financial protection agency, and it passed a health reform bill with a strong public-option. Each of these bills stalled in the United States Senate. The barrier to change in the country is clear. It’s the United States Senate....

Read the whole thing. It's worth every word.

Lewis hails from Winston-Salem and is the son of a Baptist minister. Lewis paid for his Duke and Harvard law school education "with loans and jobs as a dishwasher, bus driver, janitor, and a factory worker cleaning tobacco dust from machinery." For the past 24 years, Lewis has been a law partner and founded a small firm that represented start-up companies and non-profits. Among his priorities, Lewis supports (1) the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and a new jobs tax credit; (3) a teacher support program and a public school investment program; (3) an increase in federal funds for small businsses and new research and development tax credits; and (4) a Consumer Financial Protection Agency and major financial reform.

Lewis supports the repeal of the "don't ask don't tell" policy on gays serving in the military; supports President Obama's proposal to overhaul the "No Child Left Behind" education program; and supports a public option in the health care bill and says he would continue fighting for one. Regarding the war in Afghanistan, Lewis supports it "to give us one last chance to finish the job" to provide stability in the country.

Says Lewis, "We all have a stake in each other’s success. Access to good jobs, a good education, clean air and water, affordable health care, and economic dignity for those who work hard and take responsibility for their lives are the building blocks for individual success. Such success will help us rebuild and sustain a strong economy, a strong community, a strong state, and a strong nation."

Susan Harris: https://susanharrisforsenate.com

Harris is 53 years old and is from McDowell County, which she says "is a shining example of God, family and independence in a country where the fast-fix is becoming normal." She is a retired accountant and currently owns a photography business. Harris credits her aunt, a teacher, and a nun with helping her through a troubled childhood fraught with the dangers of drugs and feminism.

Harris believes "we can win the war on terror if we can outlast them as we did with the Cold War."
Harris' primary focus is on the national debt. She says she would bring the experience of managing millions of dollars in a fiscally sound way to the US Senate and advocates for freezing the federal budget. She saw the 2008 financial crash coming in time to cash in her stocks, lives debt free, and uses cash and only shops with a list in hand. Harris does not believe in "government jobs" and says that "Our nations budget is less than two pages and it contains words like "receipts and outlays."

Says Harris: "Professional politicians, lawyers and wealthy status seekers have been in charge for way too long. Career politicians like Richard Burr and Erskine Bowles spent 26 million dollars on a campaign for a job that pays 174K? That tells me that the job is just a status symbol for Burr."

Cal Cunningham: http://www.calfornc.com/ and Cal Cunningham on Facebook

Cunningham is from Lexington and is a former State Senator and Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving a one-year Iraq tour. In addition to the Bronze Star Medal, he received the General Douglas MacArthur Award for outstanding leadership. In November 2000, Cunningham won a seat on the NC Senate. While in the Senate, Cunningham served on education committees and and as Vice Chairman of the Senate judiciary committee. In 2004, Cunningham joined the Kilpatrick Stockton law firm, handling "commercial litigation." In the State Senate, Cunningham "worked on privacy legislation, campaign reform, the patient's bill of rights, the clean smokestacks bill, class size reductions, and preservation of farmland."

Cunningham currently serves as a Governor's appointee to the Board of Trustees of the Davidson County Community College and as a member of the North Carolina Banking Commission.

Cunningham lists among his key priorities: (1) improvements to No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and an expansion of access to higher education; (2) the pursuit of policies to incentivize sustainable building and investment in clean energy technologies; (3) "greater supervision" of financial markets and a Consumer Financial Protection Agency; and (4) incentivizing new home sales and a tax cut for working families.

Cunningham supports the troop surge in Afghanistan; supports the repeal of the "don't ask don't tell" policy on gays serving in the military; and supports President Obama's proposal to overhaul the "No Child Left Behind" education program. Regarding the health care public option, "Cunningham said he wants to see the success of health care exchanges that will be set up in all 50 states in keeping premium costs under control before deciding what to do next." Cunningham pledges his full support of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, a bill that assists service members with a chance to advance their educations and that extends housing to over 100,000 homeless veterans.

In response to Burr's support for current trade deals, Cunningham says, ""North Carolina continues to hemmorage jobs at an exponential rate. Bad policies have undermined our manufacturing base and hurt North Carolina's working families. Senator Burr has been on the wrong side of trade deals such as NAFTA and CAFTA and has voted to protect tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs overseas, including to China."

ENDORSEMENT FOR MAYOR EXPLAINED:

Even though I have endorsed Loretta Clawson for Mayor, I appreciate that John Mena brought the Howard Street project into focus for this campaign (and for me). I had not met Mena prior to this campaign (even though we do share mutual friends). I find Mena an engaging personality, and his environmental stances are impressive, but it is hard to come away from any candidate forum without a clear and compelling impression that (1) Mena’s (almost) sole campaign issue is the improvement of Howard Street, and (2) Mena owns property and a business that will substantially benefit from any Howard’s Street improvement.

While I appreciate Mena’s frustration with the fact the Howard Street project is not proceeding at sufficient speed, I believe his anger and blame is misdirected. The fact that the Howard Street project is not proceeding is not the Mayor’s fault, and it is not the Council’s fault. The Howard Street project is not proceeding because a significant number of Howard Street property owners won’t sign the required right of ways.

Furthermore, Mena has suggested that Town funding for green and open space as well as the funding for sidewalks, lighting and other amenities for the new Highway 421 project should be redirected to Howard Street needs. While I support Mena’s contention that the Howard Street project needs to go forward, I also think it’s important to remember that the Town of Boone totals 6 square miles and has needs in all directions and many locations.

I wish Mena had run for a Town Council seat, where I believe he would have a more effective voice. The Mayor’s job is not that of Flame Thrower. The Mayor’s job is a 50 hour a week job of attending community and Council meetings, providing Council and administrative support, establishing meeting agendas, lobbying the state and federal government for project funding, organizing parades and dedications, cutting ribbons for new businesses, and attending state meetings and making state contacts. The Mayor does not have a vote (except in case of a tie).

I have known Loretta Clawson for many years. She and I were part of a small group of activists who years ago first began our efforts to recruit and train progressive candidates to run for local offices. While Clawson and I do not agree on all issues, I have found her to be unafraid to stand up for progressive values even in the face of serious hostility. Her progressive credentials are impeccable, she works hard to balance the various needs and wants of all residents and businesses within ALL of Boone’s 6 square miles, and she clearly enjoys the special “meet and greet” nature of the Mayor’s job. Just as important, Clawson is not afraid to speak truth to power. Ever. I think she has been an excellent, progressive Mayor, and I think her interests always come down on the side of regular working people.

While two progressive candidates are running for Mayor, Tim Wilson is the only conservative running for the seat. My greatest concern is that the progressives will “split the vote,” handing the Mayoral reins to Wilson.

TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES: in the order candidates will appear on your ballot.

NOTE: You may choose up to three candidates

ANDY BALL: www.AndyBallForBoone.com and "Andy Ball" on Facebook

Background: Ball has been involved with local progressive causes and politics since he moved to Boone in 2001. He describes himself as a “motivated” and “serious” young leader who wants to make a difference in his community by bringing in “fresh ideas to tackle old problems.” Ball has organized community outreach efforts and civic participation. Ball says, “I believe the current council has been headed in the right direction on many issues, and I look forward to bringing a more diverse perspective and new ideas to these discussions.”

Community Service: Ball has served as a leader and volunteer in over 30 different local organizations. He currently serves on the Boone Board of Adjustment. Ball has also volunteered with Appalachian Voices, Boone Adopt-a-Stream, and the National Committee for the New River, among others. He has organized voter registration drives, managed voter and community campaigns, and organized youth outreach, civic participation, and local service opportunities.

Top Priority: In a High Country Press Questionnaire, Ball listed as his top priority as growth and infrastructure.

Environment: Ball describes himself as an “avid environmentalist.” He wants to secure funding for a “more walkable community” (sidewalks and bike lanes), and more parks and green space. Ball also wants to seek grants (or other funding) for demonstration projects in renewable energy sources.

New Master Plan: Ball supports the Town’s newly proposed “Land Use Master Plan.” Ball supports the mixed-use concept, “more density in some areas,” special planning for growth corridors, and a focus on building “up not out.” Ball also wants to explore ideas to address affordable housing.

Downtown: Ball says he would like to see streetscape improvements and the pursuit of grant money for more ambitious projects. He would like to make downtown improvements “a priority.”

Residential Neighborhoods: Ball believes in protection and preservation of residential neighborhoods and believes this issue is an ongoing priority for the Council.

Water: Ball is a strong supporter of the Town’s water conservation measures. He also supports the Town’s pursuit of a new primary water source: “as our future growth needs indicate we will be hitting 90 percent capacity in the next five to 10 years.” Ball believes the proposed New River site is a “viable choice” and that, as an environmentalist, he would take every step to ensure the facility “leaves the smallest possible footprint.”

RENNIE BRANTZ: "Re-Elect Rennie Brantz" on Facebook

Background: Brantz has been employed as a Professor of History at ASU since 1973. He and his wife, Lana, live in the Grand Blvd neighborhood. Brantz says, “if re-elected, I intend to carry forward a number of projects now underway and to support economic development and environmentally friendly growth; the preservation of our Boone neighborhoods; stronger historic preservation; better communications between the town, Appalachian and Watauga County; exploration of new transportation strategies; and improved city services and town beautification.”

Community Service: Brantz serves as Council liaison to the Jones House Advisory Board, the Boone Historic Preservation Commission, the Southern Appalachian Historical Association (Chair of its Educational Committee), and the Boone Recycling Committee.

Top Priority: In a High Country Press Questionnaire, Brantz listed his top priority as preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Boone.

Environment: Brantz’s current focus is on expanding sidewalks with signaled crosswalks; the addition of bike lanes along the Town’s main thoroughfares in town; and expansion of the Town’s Greenway system. Brantz believes funding is available as part of the city's regular budget; through grants; and with a percentage of new Tourist Development Authority funds. Brantz supports protecting the Town’s natural environment through the steep slope ordinance; expanding recycling; providing clean water; and extending greenways, parks, and green spaces.

New Master Plan: Brantz supports the Town’s move towards Smart Growth and believes that “Boone has been well served by careful planning that has involved expert studies, public involvement and reasoned decisions.” Brantz says the strongest part of Boone's proposed Land Use Master Plan is its overall vision, and the weakest part of the plan is its complexity and financing.

Downtown: Brantz supports completion of the Howard Street project. He also believes downtown Boone needs what he calls a “more prominent identity” that emphasizes its historic nature. He believes this can be partially achieved by establishing a downtown historic district, renovating the downtown Post Office, and by developing historic walking tours and signage.

Residential Neighborhoods: Brantz believes Boone's ordinances protect residential neighborhoods from incompatible development but that improved enforcement is necessary.

Water: Brantz supports the Town’s proposed new water intake facility and is proud that the Town has developed an environmentally-friendly facility. He is also proud of Boone’s successful water conservation program, which he says has reduced water consumption over the past year.

HAROLD FRAZIER: www.HaroldFrazier.com

Background: Frazier has lived in Boone since 1988. He pursued a degree at NC State University, attended Watauga High School, and is an active member at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Frazier currently owns his own Internet marketing business, Web Data Connection. He believes the “role of government on every level should be to protect their citizen's {sic} life, liberty, and property - no more and no less.”

Community Service: Frazier is the Founder of a non-profit organization that seeks to provide basic dental services at near-zero cost to Watauga County citizens.

Top Priority: In a High Country Press Questionnaire, Frazier listed his top priority as economic growth.

Environment: Frazier believes problems in maintaining fresh water can be solved by privatization of resources and believes developers should be “encouraged” to leave room for open space.

New Master Plan: Frazier does not support the Town’s new Master Plan for Growth. He says Boone leaders should instead embrace a market-friendly approach to growth and less stringent land-use management ordinances. Frazier believes the zoning process is a “highly politicized” process: “One of my top priorities for the town of Boone is to restore an environment…which is conducive to responsible economic growth—where individuals are able to provide services and facilities to those who need them without being burdened by unnecessary regulations, unnecessary fees and certain unnecessary specifics of the UDO (Unified Development Ordinance).”

Downtown: Frazier says downtown revitalization should a top priority and that the Town can competitively outsource cleaning efforts (sidewalks, paving, drainage, lighting, etc).

Residential Neighborhoods: To my knowledge, Frazier has not addressed this issue.

Water: Frazier believes that Town wastewater services should be contracted to private firms or converted into privately owned, government-regulated services. He believes local governments often set prices to far below the market rate, which leads to shortages. Frazier argues that private ownership creates incentives to price water based on market forces and that the profits of private water companies are contingent on their maintenance of high levels of safety. Frazier believes the Town of Boone uses water access as “a stranglehold against individuals trying to start businesses.”

GRANT HOLDER: "Grant Holder" on Facebook

Background: Holder has been a Professor at ASU since 1988. He is an analytical chemist, specializing in pattern recognition (chemometrics) and electrochemistry. Holder also specializes in “wine chemistry.” Holder says he is running for Town Council because he believes Boone is “falling behind its competition in the High Country” and because he wants to see the Town develop an identity more independent of the university.

Community Service: Holder did not respond to this question.

Top Priority: In a High Country Press Questionnaire, Holder listed his top priority as Town walkability and business investment.

Environment: To my knowledge, Holder has not responded to this issue.

New Master Plan: To my knowledge, Holder has not commented directly on the Town’s proposed Master Plan, but as for development in general, Holder says he would encourage intelligent growth. He would focus specifically on traffic patterns, consistent appearance standards, and mass transit. He believes some Town development in the past has appeared “random.” He would encourage the development of student housing in areas closer to campus.

Downtown: Holder says he does not want to see ASU take over the area and that downtown must maintain its independent identity.

Residential Neighborhoods: To my knowledge, Holder has not responded to this issue.

Water: “Water belongs to the people. It is to be used by all the people for their benefit and without unreasonable fees or surcharges.”

JAMIE LEIGH: www.JamieLeighForCouncil.com

Background: Leigh moved to Boone with her husband and two children 17 years ago. She is a CPA and has been the owner of a downtown Boone public accounting practice for 10 years. Leigh believes her background and education are particularly relevant at a time when Boone is having to make hard choices about how to best use limited financial resources: “My philosophy is simple and straightforward: in order to retain and enhance our quality of life and the character of this community that we all love, it is vital for us to proactively address, in a comprehensive and coordinated fashion, those issues that are most important and pressing.”

Community Service: Leigh was appointed to the Boone Town Council in August to serve out Liz Aycock's term. She currently serves on the Affordable Housing Task Force and the Greenways Committee. Leigh has also been involved with High Country Conservancy and has provided free accounting and tax preparation services for various non-profits and individuals. When her children were younger, Leigh volunteered with the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Watauga High School Booster Club, and Watauga Striders Youth Track Club.

Top Priority: In a High Country Press Questionnaire, Leigh listed her top priority as fiscal responsibility.

Environment: Leigh would like to expedite the Town's sidewalk and bikeway expansion plans, including extending the Greenway Trail to make it a "connective network." She believes making Boone a more walkable community will "suit the character and layout of Boone," promote a healthy lifestyle, and make for a less congested community. To pay for these projects, Leigh would "aggressively search out grants from federal and state government and private foundations, partner with the local business community, require private development plans to include sidewalks, and shift tax dollars from less deserving projects."

New Master Plan: Leigh “wholeheartedly” supports Smart Growth principles and the Town’s proposed new Land Use Master Plan. She believes the plan is essential “to promote a sense of community, prevent urban decay, encourage environmentally sound growth patterns and methods and preserve Boone’s unique history and character while still allowing for well-planned growth and development.” Leigh also believes the Town needs to rewrite the Unified Development Ordinance to ensure it achieves its "vision." Leigh believes the strongest part of the plan is that "it creates a proactive, thoughtfully developed framework on which future policy decisions will be based." Leigh believes the weakest part of the plan is that it concentrates many major projects and tasks into a short time period.

Downtown: Leigh is strongly behind Howard Street revitalization but says that funding for the project will require a variety of creative non-tax financing sources. As for the general downtown area, Leigh supports efforts to retain its historic character by installing streetlights, sidewalk improvements, benches, and landscaping. Leigh would pay for these improvements through a combination of grants, (limited) tax dollars, and Municipal Service District (MSD) taxes collected from Downtown Boone property owners.

Residential Neighborhoods: Leigh lists as a top priority ensuring that Boone’s traditional neighborhoods are preserved and protected. Leigh says the problem is, "protection of residential neighborhoods largely falls upon the shoulders of five voting Town Council members (with the recommendation of the Planning Board) who decide whether or not to approve individual zoning change requests" and that this causes a lack of "consistency and direction." Some of the changes Leigh proposes include increasing the number of neighborhood conservation districts; creating narrower zoning categories to avoid "a broad range of non-residential development uses"; encouraging conditional zoning options; and promoting lower impact development at transitional zoning edges.

Water: Leigh is supportive of the Town's water conservation efforts and its planned new water intake facility. She believes the new intake will keep water flows close to original levels, will return clean treated water to the river, will cause no recreational disruption to the river, and will be aesthetically pleasing. Leigh also supports increased conservation efforts.

MATTHEW C. LONG: www.LongForBooneTownCouncil.com

Background: Long is a native of Boone and graduate of Appalachian State University. He is a licensed general contractor and a Partner with Capehart & Washburn, LLC, a local residential and commercial building company. Long is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional. Long believes his “experience in owning and running a small business, as well as my experience and certification in ‘green’ building and development, will be an asset to the Town Council.”

Community Service: Not answered.

Top Priority: In a High Country Press Questionnaire, Long listed his top priority as rewriting the Unified Development Ordinance.

Environment: Long believes the Town’s focus on trees, parks, and beautification have been successful. He would like to increase the Town’s number of sidewalks, bike lanes, and greenways by making the efforts a priority. To pay for these efforts, Long proposes that the Town continue to maintain sidewalk funds, maintain walkability requirements for new development projects, and pursue possible State grants.

New Master Plan: Long is supportive of smart growth principles and wants to make necessary revisions to the current UDO to support those principles. He says the Town’s current UDO still contains “dated and non-practical development codes that are contradictory to smart growth and development.” Specifically, Long supports denser development in some areas of Boone; anti-sprawl measures; fair and consistent development rules and regulations; and protection of environmental resources.

Downtown: Long wants to focus on downtown Boone revitalization projects that would encourage new residential and commercial development. He also says downtown needs to address parking issues by exploring a parking deck and more meters and enforcement on weekends.

Residential Neighborhoods: Long believes the Town’s existing ordinances adequately protect Boone’s (R1) residential neighborhoods from incompatible development and is a strong supporter of those efforts.

Water: Long supports the Town’s water conservation efforts and would support more incentives to the citizens and small businesses to conserve water.

THOMAS BENJAMIN WILHITE: No contact information found.

Wilhite has not appeared at any candidate forums, did not answer my questionnaire, and did not participate in the High Country Press candidate questionnaire.

BOONE TOWN COUNCIL ENDORSEMENTS EXPLAINED:

Rennie Brantz deserves a second term on the Boone Town Council. He has been an effective and thoughtful Council member, and he is the only member currently dedicated to getting a Boone historic commission off the ground. He stood up when it counted for the Steep Slope ordinance, he is focused on water conservation efforts, and he is a reliable vote and voice for progressive issues.

While Jamie Leigh is a newcomer to running for office, she brings much needed financial accounting qualifications to the Council table. Furthermore, she is both a researcher and go-getter by nature. The only other person I know who is as persistent in “finding a way” as Jamie is Lynne Mason. Jamie offers what I have found to be a rare combination of fiscal conservatism coupled with extremely progressive values. She would make an excellent Council member.

Andy Ball is a young man with an impressive resume of qualifications for this office. He has served as a leader and volunteer in over 30 different local organizations. You can see a complete list here. In addition to volunteer service in a wide range of local organizations and activities, Andy was given a 2009 Top Five Young Democrats Award from the Young Democrats of North Carolina. I am excited to see a young leader of his caliber and with his experience step forward to run for local office, and I think he will bring new progressive ideas and perspectives and a lot of energy to the Council.

Matt Long is also an impressive young man, and he appears to be progressive on most, if not all, of the issues. Furthermore, he is LEED certified, supportive of smart growth development and water conservation, and has some good ideas for downtown beautification and renewal. Nonetheless, while I believe he would be a very fast learner and would bring some good ideas forward, he did not seem to have a good grasp of background issues at the forum he attended; nor did he provide information about any community service. I do think he holds much promise.

I had the chance to talk with Harold Frazier. He is a pleasant person, but his issues’ stances scare the hell out of me. Frazier insists he is not "against" zoning and that he favors some regulations. In the High Country Press questionnaire, however, Frazier says he supports voluntary open-space protection and more flexible zoning codes. He says individuals should not be “burdened by unnecessary regulations, unnecessary fees and certain unnecessary specifics of the UDO (Unified Development Ordinance).” On his web site, Frazier says, “Elected officials in Boone should reform current land-use and zoning regulations to minimize detailed regulatory control and maximize market trends.” He suggests that only three different zones be established (residential, commercial and industrial) but that various other uses should be allowed within those zones. He says zoning is not “objective” nor “efficient” and that “those with power in the community often gain advantages at the expense of those who lack it.” He is opposed to moratoriums and impact fees and to allowing anyone who is not directly harmed by land-use decisions to even comment on those decisions. Frazier says, “Too many land-use regulations allow too much discretion on the part of the planning staff, planning boards, and elected bodies.." He ends his discussion by saying that by “simplifying land-use and zoning regulations, local governments can avoid many of the costly negative effects of excessive government regulation, as well as allow greater freedom for developers and property owners.” At the Kiwanis candidate forum on October 20th, Frazier said he preferred “less inhibition to growth,” suggested we “reanalyze the steep slope ordinance to allow business development on steep slopes,” and said we should “relax zoning laws.” Frazier also believes we should privatize our water resources and (perhaps) some town services.

I haven’t seen hide nor hair of Grant Holder, and I know nothing detailed about his positions on the Town’s proposed Master plan, nor his position on environmental stewardship. What I do know is that he was described as a "devout Republican" on a local conservative blog, is a strong supporter of Republican State Senator Richard Burr, and and is a wine chemisty specialist,

Thomas Wilhite has apparently fallen off the face of the earth. No one has heard a word from him.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE HOWARD STREET PROJECT:

On October 5, I interviewed Boone Town Manager Greg Young and reviewed town, county, and state records related to the Howard Street project.

History of the Project:

A decade or so ago, the Town of Boone began to explore options for a complete restoration and enhancement of Howard’s Street. An overall concept was decided at that time, but no detailed plans were drawn. The Town sent questionnaires to Howard Street property owners, only to find that not all owners were interested in granting easements or right of ways for the project. Right of way easements are essential for the project to move forward.

Five or 6 years ago, the Town Council revisited the Howard Street project and retained an engineering firm to draw up specific plans and specifications. The final plans included, among other things, sidewalks, new lighting, park benches, and major infrastructure work.

Based on those plans, a 2007 estimate for the total project costs stood at $4.2 million (this figure still stands as the most recent official estimate). To date, the Town has spent approximately $235,000 on the Howard’s Street project specifically, and has authorized another $25,000 for work on other Downtown improvements (trashcans, benches, lighting), of which Howard Street is a part.

This year the Town reassigned some funding it had put aside for the Howard Street project towards the new Highway 421 project for sidewalks, lighting and underground utilities, but this money is expected to be replaced with new funds coming in from ABC sales and a recently increased hotel tax.

How can the Town Finance the $4.2 million for the Howard Street Project?

At candidate forums, Mayoral Candidate Mena suggested the Town could reallocate money from its parks and green space budget to help finance the Howard Street project. He also complained that the town should not have spent $1.7 million on the new Highway 421 project, and implied the Town should re-allocate the money it spends on its state/federal lobbyist to Howard Street.

Town records show the Council has put aside $100,000 for future green space acquisition. The Town spends $132,000 per year on its federal/state lobbyist. Manager Greg Young says the lobbyist finds grant monies available for capital improvements as well as lobbies for other funding for new roads, new parks, and other improvements, etc.

While the state (and federal stimulus funds) paid for the widening of highway 421, the town was required to pony up any desired funding for any desired amenities: sidewalks, a green (in some places) median, and new lighting. The cost to the town was substantial at $1.7 million. The Town’s position is that it was less expensive to add these amenities during the initial construction than it would be to try to construct the amenities later. The town also determined that sidewalks were essential in light of increased expected foot traffic from the new high school as well as because of the Town’s stated commitment to alternative forms of transportation.

The $4.2 million needed for the Howard Street project could also be raised through an outright increase in Boone property taxes. The current Boone property tax rate is 37%. To raise the needed funds for the Howard Street project through a property tax increase would require a 3.5% increase in property tax rates, bringing the Boone property tax rate to a total of 40.5%. Put another way, a person who owns a $350,000 property in Boone now pays approximately $1295 per year in property taxes. To help fund the Howard Street project, the same taxpayer would pay an additional $105 per year. To my knowledge, no candidate has proposed raising property taxes to fund Howard’s Street.

What’s the Real Reason for the Hold up on Howard Street?

Regardless of where the funding for the Howard’s Street project comes from, the project still cannot proceed. That’s because even if the Town had all the money needed for the project in hand, to date 12 of the 26 Howard’s Street parcels have still refused to sign right of way permissions. The Town cannot move forward until these property owners have signed right of ways.

Why haven’t these property owners signed the right of ways? Some have suggested they fear the loss of parking, but the plans I reviewed showed that completion of the project would actually offer more parking. Others have suggested owners did not want to sign off on right of ways and then not have the project completed. But a review of the Town of Boone meeting minutes shows that Council addressed this issue by signing onto an agreement that should the project not be completed, the Town would forgo its right of way deeds.

Some say the owners just haven’t gotten around to signing; other have suggested the owners believe there’s money to be made by forcing the Town to condemn their property for the required right of ways.

Whatever the reason, the Town has clearly worked hard to try to get the needed right of ways. In 2006, the Downtown Boone Development Association (DBDA) “was tasked with approaching affected property owners to negotiate the donation of land.) In 2007, Tuesdae Rice, Director of the DBDA, reported that she thought there was “consensus between landowners, minus one” to provide the necessary easement.

DBDA’s efforts apparently didn’t work.

In March of 2008, Councilman Stephen Phillips indicated the owners simply had a few issues remaining to be worked out with engineers and that “if we could just get these concerns resolved, then I think we’ll make some progress with Howard Street.”

Councilman Phillips’s efforts apparently didn’t work out either.

The names of the property owners who have signed right of ways for the Howard Street Project to date are recorded at the County Courthouse.

Names of those Howard Street property owners who have not granted the required right of way follow. (I collected information to determine property ownership from the NC Secretary of State’s Office and from other online research including, but not limited to, Town of Boone hearing and meeting minutes.)

1. Howard Street Ventures LLC
Kenneth Wilcox, “Registered Agent”
John Winkler, requests on behalf of company to Town of Boone
Roger Wright, “Member" and "Manager”
Jim Deal, “Organizer”

2. Wilcox and Wright - 4 parcels
Roger Wright, “Agent” and “Manager”
Kenneth Wilcox, “Manager”

3. SC&S Futures - 3 parcels
Julian Heath, “President”

4. A & F Coffey Associates, LLC
Frank Coffey, “Manager”

5. Peter and Kimberly Catoe
Owners of ECR Software Corporation (ECRS)

6. PA Coffey Ventures
Originally Armfield Coffey property. Cannot locate current owner or manager.

7. Appalachian State University (State of North Carolina)

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE DBDA:

Overview:

The Downtown Boone Development Association (DBDA) is a non-profit association whose mission is “to improve the central business district of Boone, by encouraging property owners to maintain, improve and beautify downtown properties; improving walkways and pedestrian crosswalks; providing more cultural and civic events downtown; promote “smart commercial development”; encouraging transportation and parking improvements; and encouraging greater involvement of all property owners, professionals, nonprofit groups or agencies and merchants in the district.”

DBDA operates primarily with funding from a “municipal services district tax.” This tax is assessed on downtown businesses only and is established at 21% with a collection rate of 97%.

This year’s DBDA fiscal budget projects the tax will bring in a total of $108,589. (The Town of Boone provides some funding in addition to the tax through regular downtown maintenance and labor. DBDA also collects some additional funding through membership dues and private financing.)

DBDA’s Contract with the Town of Boone:

As reported in the June 18, 2009 High Country Press, during its budget workshops, “the town council voted unanimously to restrict expenditures of the Downtown Municipal Service District (MSD) tax revenues to a ratio of 15 percent administrative expenses and 85 percent non-administrative expenses…. Under the new expenditure ratio, $16,288 of that allocation can be used for administrative purposes—including staff salaries and/or wages.”

From this report, it is clear Town Council members believed the DBDA might be “top heavy” in its expenditures, spending too much on administration and salaries for its two employees. Indeed, this year’s DBDA budget indicates a minimum of 49 percent of its total budget going to employee expenses, not including insurance.

In addition, Council members cited several concerns with the town’s contract with the DBDA, including, among other things, that the DBDA had not been “abiding by its own bylaws by not having an annual membership meeting” and had not “submitted statistical reports to the state’s Main Street Program for more than 10 years.”

As a result of these and other concerns, the Town Council considered calling for competitive bids for administration of DBDA funds. Instead, the Town signed a 6-month contract with current administrators of the DBDA. This contract expires at the end of December 2009.

I have reviewed the contract. It calls for, among other things, coordination of District revitalization projects, participation in the state’s Main Street Program, and an annual audit and work plan.

DBDA’s Goals for this Fiscal Year:

I examined a copy of DBDA’s work plan/goals this fiscal year. A copy of the DBDA’s submitted goals can be seen here.

DBDA goals include developing a downtown master plan, fundraising $20,000 to match equal Town funds to improve downtown amenities, development of a “parking plan,” continuation of numerous downtown public activities, and work towards UDO changes that will benefit the downtown area.

DBDA’s Budget for this Fiscal Year:

In its budget for this fiscal year, DBDA projects both income and expenditures of $142,009.

A rough breakdown of the most significant budget expenses follows:

Amenities Improvements: $20,000 (14% of total budget)
New Grant Proposals: $3,000 (2% of total budget)
Employee salaries, benefits, insurance, and payroll taxes: $69,700 (49% of total budget)
Rent: $4300 (3% of total budget)
Insurance (employee?): $6850 (5% of total budget)
“Promotion Budget”: (parades, Art Crawl, Street Fest, general advertising, etc) $3729 (3% of total budget)