Editor's Notes

This blog has moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:38:00 +0000

Check out the new Editors Notes blog on the new statesville.com:

http://www2.statesville.com/opinion/

Letter: City should enforce parking rules and noise ordinance

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:25:00 +0000

One thing that really bugs me is the City of Statesville allows people to park on the sidewalk or grass. I know there is a city ordinance against this. Why the police do not ticket or warn these violators is beyond me.

Another thing city officers need to stop is the motorcycle noise, especially the crotch-rockets that scream to over 10,000 rpms. This is not occasional but every night of the week. Just park downtown and you will hear them, and sometimes they will come right down North Center Street. I know the police department does an excellent job, and most of the time officers have their hands full, but between calls, humor me and listen for screamers.

I do want to thank the street department for cleaning the gutters and streets. The streets look so nice when they finish that I wish the city had more of these units because it seems to be months before they can get back around. I live in the 200 block of Kelly Street, and the Sanitation Department workers on Monday morning are the most professional associates you would want to meet. To these men, thank you.

Gibby Jenkins
Statesville

Letter: City Hall has dropped the ball on unsightly neighborhood nuisance

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

It is in great frustration with the City of Statesville that I write this letter. I’d like to inform fellow citizens of Statesville about a nuisance yard that has been reported numerous times over the past year with no action by the city.

We moved into our home on North Mulberry near Mac Anderson Park one year ago. When we moved in, we noticed the house next door was in foreclosure, which was evident by the notices posted on the door. The yard was seriously overgrown both in the front, facing the street and in the back, which extends into Mac Anderson Park, which is city property. When the mowers for the city come to mow Mac Anderson, they actually mow a line up to this nuisance yard and turn around. There is no fence so they have created a very obvious boundary between this yard and the park property.

I first notified the code enforcement department last June and was told they would notify the company that owns the house and give them two weeks to mow it, then the city would mow.

That never happened. I followed up about 60 days later and again was told that they would handle the situation. By this time, several of the residents of our neighborhood had also called City Hall and were told it would be taken care of.

That still didn’t happen. When winter came, the nearly 4-foot-tall weeds fell and died and weren’t that visible until spring came again.

I called City Hall again and spoke with the man in charge of neighborhood code and nuisance more than three weeks ago and was told, again, the same thing. They would contact the company and give them two weeks, but they would be out to take care of it.

Now the weeds are nearly 5 feet tall in many places and makes our neighborhood, a major throughway between Race Street and Center Street, a real eyesore.

We often have walkers on our sidewalks, and they have stopped on more than one occasion to ask my husband or me if anything is being done about this eyesore.

We are disappointed the sight of that yard in our neighborhood has greatly brought down the attractiveness of the neighborhood, not to mention the fact that there are several hazards of an overgrown yard, such as fire hazard and a comfortable breeding ground for rodents and snakes.
The address of this home is 518 N. Mulberry St.

I hope the readers of the R&L will drive by to take a look and feel compelled to encourage the xity to take care of this nuisance to our beautiful, historic town.

Erin Moore
Statesville

Letter: Film should bring more than just revenue to city

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:32:00 +0000

I am writing in response to the comments that were made by our mayor in the Statesville R&L concerning the making of the movie “Blood Done Sign My Name” in our town yesterday.

Could it possibly be that we, as citizens of Statesville, should have taken away far more from this happening in our town than the fact that it “could lead to bigger productions in the city” or that it “keeps us on the radar for bigger projects”?

Could it be that we are to never forget and to forever be reminded of the hatred and devisiveness that separated us as Americans during that time in our history? Could it be that we, as citizens of this town, are never to forget that things such as happened in Oxford can happen and have happened in our town, and that we must work very hard in our churches, and in our civic groups, and even in our charitable organizations, to make sure we never go back and never let hate and racial differences rule our actions or our opinions?

Mayor Kutteh, I wish you could have heard your Statesvilel High School classmate, Skip McCall, last year describe to the audience at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at Mitchell Community College what it was like to grow up in Statesville as a black person.

The pain and heartache that we extended our black brothers and sisters during that time was so very sad, and we, who sat in the audience that day, were reminded of how much work we all have to do personally and corporately.

So, as we appreciate the notoriety and the extra revenue that comes with films being made in Statesville, along with that comes a responsibility to be willing to learn from those who are in our midst who can teach us a thing or two about how to live together, appreciating all our differences.

Barbara Garrison
Statesville

Editorial:A big opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:12:00 +0000

We are proud to partner with the Iredell Friends of the Library and seven other public and private agencies that are working together to make The Big Read Iredell County a reality.
We believe this program, scheduled for February, is going to be a Big Deal.

A month of events centered around Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” will provide an historic opportunity to put the community’s focus squarely on two areas where it is desperately needed:

Literacy: Imparting a love of reading and lifelong learning on our children is the single best way to improve test scores and reduce dropout rates.
Race relations: If we truly embrace the mission of this program, the prevailing themes in this book will force us to examine why, in 2008, there are still two distinct Statesvilles.

Iredell Friends of the Library has joined forces with Friends of the Harmony Library, the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, the Iredell County Public Library, Iredell-Statesville Schools, Mitchell Community College, the Mooresville Public Library and the Statesville Human Relations Commission to plan the Big Read. We are excited to play a small role.

Given the track record and dedication of the partners and the $15,000 grant and support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, The Big Read Iredell County is destined to be a success.

There is no reason that this cannot become an annual event that makes us all better readers, better neighbors and better citizens.

Editorial: Seven years later

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:18:00 +0000

It would have been easy for Iredell County sheriff’s investigators to have put the unsolved murder of Celeste Fowler in the back of a filing cabinet in a dark closet and devote their time and efforts to more recent, high-profile cases.

More than seven years have passed since Fowler’s body was found on March 16, 2001, off Brickyard Road in Iredell County. She didn’t have any relatives in this area and there was no pressure from the media or anyone else to solve this case.

The 29-year-old victim’s relatives in Connecticut called the R&L periodically over the years in an effort to keep the case in the public eye, hoping that a story near the anniversary date would cause someone to come forward with information.

News that investigators made an arrest in the case stunned Fowler’s family and surprised those of us who keep track of unsolved murders in Iredell. We hope it provides some sense of peace to Fowler’s four children and her mother.

And while prosecutors and law enforcement still must prove that Thilbert Wayne Hager, 37, murdered her, his arrest should give pause to others who would commit violent crimes in Iredell County. Iredell is home to dozens of crimefighters in several jurisdictions who take their jobs seriously and their oaths to heart. This case, like many others, shows their tireless dedication to the pursuit of justice.

Letter: John McCain’s campaign offers more of what we don’t need

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:17:00 +0000

If you are happy with the past 5½ years of war, 7½ years of trampled civil rights, humiliating gaffes on an international level (surpassing even the hysterical and ludicrous Dan Quayle), and absolutely obscene fuel costs and lack of movement on more efficient vehicles and tighter EPA emission controls, and an economy in shambles, millions tossed out of their homes, unrestricted offerings of buy now and pay forever after credit, an increasingly diminished global reputation for all things good about the United States — then be sure to vote for Grandpa John McCain, who is promising another four to eight years of Dubya Bush and his cronies.

Steve Issak
Statesville

Editorial: New life for the Vance

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:17:00 +0000

The Historic Vance Hotel has long been considered the crown jewel of Downtown Statesville.

But, for years now, it has sat at the corner of Front and Center streets, a shadow of its former self, filled with little more than memories and potential.

City Councilman Cecil Stallard did little with the Vance during the period it was in his hands and, convinced that he no longer has the time or energy to restore it to something approaching its former glory, finally sold it.

The new owner, Mooresville physician and developer Thomas Wilson, said he has big plans for the Vance, although he declined to share them this week.

He has promised, however, to meet with city officials to discuss their collective vision for the downtown landmark before he begins what will surely be a large-scale project.

Just about anything would be an improvement over its current state.

Letter: Our next president must be solid in international affairs

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Barack Hussein Obama seems to think he is running a campaign against President George W. Bush.

He needs to realize that he is running against a very different man by the name of John McCain, who has years of experience in foreign affairs and is a very conservative man.

In my opinion, Obama has very limited experience in foreign affairs.

I was a World War II combat infantry soldier who fought for our country’s freedom, and I do not want to see us lose that. In my opinion, we need a president with McCain’s experience.

Dewey W. Lowrance
Statesville

Letter: Commissioners should rethink position on light rail for Iredell

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Regarding recent stories about rising fuel prices, I recently e-mailed our Iredell County commissioners and made my case for why we should bring light rail transit to our area. I am a Statesville resident who works in Davidson. Like many other folks in Mooresville and Statesville, my daily commute is more than 40 miles roundtrip.

I understand that it seems unfair to raise taxes across the county for a service that citizens mostly in the southern areas of the county will use. But as gas prices continue to rise, and my monthly fuel costs for commuting to work approach $300 or more, I must admit I would be very willing to park my car (a fuel efficient 4-cylinder Nissan), pay higher taxes and ride the light rail to work every day.

There are few reasons (aside from cost) that would make light rail a bad choice. The demand is there — look at Charlotte. The Charlotte light rail has already exceeded all estimates, making some 13,000 trips per day. Gas prices are going up today. We’d better be thinking about how to get to work tomorrow. I encourage you to contact our commissioners and support more transit options.

James Hogan
Statesville

Letter: When times get tough, being armed can save your life

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:14:00 +0000

The news media, in my opinion, has an anti-gun bias. Recently a gunman walked into a Wendy’s in Florida, pulled out a gun and shot several people. It was all over radio, TV and newspapers.

According to the NRA Web site (which is the only place that I saw this), in an article dated May 30, a gunman walked into a bar in Nevada and opened fire, killing two and wounding several others. While the shooter stopped to reload, an armed citizen with a concealed carry permit shot the shooter and prevented more casualties. He did not make the city more dangerous, but actually saved lives. Not one time did I see this or hear this on radio, TV or in the newspaper.

Whether or not you believe that we have the right to own guns or not is irrelevant, but I believe 1,000 percent that we should have the right to protect ourselves and our families. Times are getting tougher and tougher and people are going to do what it takes to eat.

You should be prepared.

Sam Mitchell
Statesville

Letter: Child’s wish should be granted; not inappropriately mocked

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:31:00 +0000

I turned to the editorial page of Wednesday’s R&L and was so moved by Dawn Hobbs’ letter I almost cried.

I, too, was very disturbed by the letter critical of Tyler, so much so that, completely out of character, I picked up the phone and called the paper. I wanted to know if the paper had to print every letter received, and, as I thought the letter and the printing of it was very insensitive, I cancelled my subscription.

I had been as judgmental as the letter writer. I was unhappy with the response to my call, but later had a very nice talk with R&L Publisher Tim Dearman, who understood my concern.I finally decided I should resubscribe.

I sent in my subscription request and check just this Monday and this morning, just two days later, I received my first paper and there is Dawn’s very moving story about Tyler.

Coincidence? Fate?

I, too, believe Tyler deserves this trip and am so happy that organizations like the Make A Wish Foundation are there to reward such deserving children.

Alice Hunsucker
Statesville

Editorial: Finally, it’s over

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:57:00 +0000

For those of you who keep track of such things, history was made at 1:23 p.m. Tuesday when the Associated Press declared Sen. Barack Obama had secured enough delegates to wrap up the Democratic nomination.

In doing so, Obama ended a contentious five-month campaign and will be the first black candidate to lead a major party’s ticket when he squares off against Sen. John McCain in this fall’s general election.

While you can argue persuasively that Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee stacked the deck against Sen. Hillary Clinton from the beginning, you cannot discount the masterful strategy employed by Team Obama.

The Illinois senator raised more money and ran a better campaign aimed at attracting a broad base of disgruntled and disenchanted Democrats and, in states with open primaries, independent voters who believe America and its government can do better. Prevailing in 11 consecutive contests after surviving Super Tuesday, Obama won when he had to — including the pivotal North Carolina primary — and ran a close second in states where it looked like Clinton would win handily.

Just as importantly, Obama was able to line up the support of many of the party’s movers and shakers, including Ted Kennedy, former President Jimmy Carter and our own John Edwards, who will serve as superdelegates at the convention.

Obama’s battle with Clinton was bound to produce a first in our nation’s 232-year history. Had Clinton won, she would have been the first woman to top a major party ticket.

But their campaigns were about much, much more than race and gender. While Clinton offered well-defined public policy proposals, Obama delivered something that Democratic voters wanted more: hope for a better tomorrow.

With gas prices hovering at $4 per gallon, a national housing crisis and spiraling national debt, we believe that message will resonate with American voters this fall.

Letter: A well-deserved wish

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:51:00 +0000

I am writing in reference to a letter published in April in the R&L about my son, Tyler.

First of all, any child granted a wish through the Children’s Wish Foundation must meet stringent requirements. A child is not qualified unless their medical condition is potentially life-threatening and a doctor or doctors (in Tyler’s case) have recommended them to the foundation.

After we found out Tyler had been selected, our first thoughts were that we didn’t deserve this. Tyler expressed this numerous times. All the wonderful nurses at the hospital and staff at the doctors office always stressed to Tyler how much he deserved this memorable trip and his granted wish. We are very grateful for this experience, as it provided a much-needed break from Tyler’s many medical worries, trips to the doctors (all in Charlotte), all the long hospital stays. Our family was able to feel like a “normal” family for a week.

The purpose of this article was not to have my son criticized, but to let people know of good in the community. There’s enough bad spoken of all the time.

When we read the paper, we should remember that we don’t always get the entire story. Due to space considerations, not every detail can be included and occasionally people may even be misquoted. One example is that Tyler has had six surgeries, not two as stated in the article (1 eye, 2 kidneys/bladder and 3 hip). It was also stated that “Tyler also has an oversized bladder and kidneys and has to wear a catheter.” Tyler had to wear a catheter for five months to drain his kidneys that were so big they were ready to rupture and stints had to be placed to help them drain due to a blockage in both ureters. Due to all the kidney problems, his hip surgeries were postponed for a year. We had to get clearance from the urologist before his hip problem could be taken care of.

Tyler’s urologist, Dr. Gazak, is an amazing doctor and person who loves children.

I don’t know what we would have done without him. He was the one who told the Child Life Coordinator at the hospital to nominate Tyler for all he could be. (Tyler was also “Hero of the Month” at the hospital.) Some days, Dr. Gazak would be the only outside face we would see while in the hospital, and his encouragement helped us get through the long days. He told Tyler every day he was “a strong boy and would get through all of this.” When myself and Tyler would say things like, “Let the little boy with cancer have the chance of the trip,” he would tell us that when Tyler gets good enough to go, “He deserves it just as much as the other child that got nominated.” He told us “Tyler has went through more pain than anyone should go through in a lifetime.” “With some of the illness, there is medicine to help them get through the pain.”

In Tyler’s case, there was no medicine to help his pain in his kidneys or hip. Also when you are in the hospital and have surgery, X-rays, bloodwork etc., you get a prize out of the treasure box. Tyler always got something for his sister and cousins. He always is thinking of others, even when he was fighting for his life.

The purpose of all of this is to let people know Tyler and a little about what he has went through. He is a very caring, thoughtful person that has had a rough life and finally got something that he well-deserved. “I have problems with my hip and kidneys, so I deserve to go to Australia” was words that he has heard from his family and doctors for a year and a half. It’s a shame that people out there like Bonnie Black have the time to fight with something good happening in the community. What is happening to this world?

Dawn Hobbs
Statesville

Letter: Obama’s ministers’ comments should offend all Christians

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:50:00 +0000

Matthew 15:8,9 speaks to those who worship in vain and preach their own ideas. The so-called sermon delivered by Father Pfleger at Trinity Church of Christ in Chicago last week is a perfect example of this scripture.

It is a sad day when a Christian church celebrates religion. Religion is a presentation of ideas and theology to man.

Certainly, references to Hillary Clinton were unkind, unforgivable and offensive. But what about the Lord of our church? Did not Jesus overturn the tables in the temple when he saw them selling doves and exchanging money? In Matthew 21:12, 13, Jesus called it a den of thieves.

The greatest offense in this situation in Chicago is against Jesus himself! The pulpit is to be used only for the teaching of God’s truth as given to us in the Holy Bible. To be used to further one’s agenda or to excite the congregation is an abomination before the Lord. Father Pfleger should be excused permanently from the holy calling of servant of God.

June C. Cooper
Statesville

Editorial: Let voters decide

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:11:00 +0000

Here is a recommendation for Republicans and Democrats: Just count the votes.

This common-sense solution to our convoluted nominating and electoral processes, which seems so obvious to the people, somehow escapes the wisdom of party leaders. Or does it?

On the Republican side, the winner of the popular vote in each state’s presidential primary takes all of that state’s delegates. This makes states with small delegate numbers irrelevant in national campaigns because states with huge delegate counts like California, Texas, Florida and New York have enough influence to determine the outcome. This year, like most years, the Republican nominee was determined long before the race came to North Carolina.

The Democrats, on the other hand, award their primary delegates proportionally — based on the popular vote. This makes more sense until you factor in the power of superdelegates like Statesville attorney David Parker. Their role, ostensibly, is to tilt the nominating process in the right direction in case voters don’t select the right candidate.

In other words, a small number of Democrats reserve the right to change the outcome if voters do not pick the candidate they want.

North Carolina did have a prominent role in creating superdelegates as Jim Hunt headed the commission which created them. The main purpose, in our opinion, was to make sure the party faithful, instead of the voters, retained control of the outcome of the nominating process.

Democrat candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were campaigning in Puerto Rico last weekend for delegates who do count in the party convention. However, Puerto Ricans cannot vote in the presidential election. You wonder why they have a primary.

The general election is no better with the manner in which electoral votes are awarded. This process allows candidates to campaign in certain states and ignore others. North Carolina is one of the states that has been ignored during the past few general elections because both parties acknowledge those votes will end up in the Republican column.

It is hard to imagine a more complicated system to resolve a national contest. If any other country in the world had a similar system, our political analysts would claim the government was controlling the outcome of the elections. Even worse, the present system leaves people believing their vote does not determine the outcome.

Late-night talk show host Jay Leno jokes that we should turn the presidential election over to the producers of American Idol. That may be a stretch, but the underlying idea of just counting the votes makes sense to most people.

Editorial: Focus on education

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:08:00 +0000

If anyone knows the value of an education, it’s 18-year-old Dana Sharpe.Dana was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was 2. She has since become diabetic due to her medication, endured kidney failure and two lung transplants and faces another operation Friday.

And not even two weeks after her upcoming surgery, Dana will accept her diploma alongside her peers at North Iredell High School’s graduation.It’s an understatement to say Dana’s story is remarkable, especially when you consider the statistics: Nearly three out of 10 students who began high school in the Iredell-Statesville Schools system won’t graduate.

The district’s graduation rate was 75.12 percent last year, which is slightly better than the state’s average. And though the dropout rate has been decreasing, it still isn’t anything to ignore.Last year alone, 317 of I-SS’s 21,000 students called it quits — almost half of which were less than two years from graduation. I-SS officials say students drop out for various reasons: having to support their families, pregnancy or a general disinterest in school. We’re sure there are times when Dana wanted to quit, too, but she persevered in her fight for an education.

Dana requested teachers visit her during her stays at the Ronald McDonald House. Her study breaks involved shots of insulin in between lessons. Even being physically unable to attend school wasn’t enough to separate her from her desire to learn; a teacher visited Dana multiple times a week during homeschooling sessions to keep her on track with her studies.

She told the R&L she believes graduating high school is the only way “to get somewhere in life.”

We wish more students in I-SS felt the same.While we’re not grading the district on its success rate, we are taking notes on students like Dana.

Letter: How to have a yard sale

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:24:00 +0000

Here’s my 2 cents on yard sales:

Don’t get upset if I ask you to come down on the price, and don’t give me the hoopla about how much it cost in the first place and that you never used it.

Why in the world would you not come down on a price and yet you say, “If I don’t sell this stuff I’m loading it up and taking it to Goodwill.” Am I missing something here? Wouldn’t it be better to take less for something rather than taking it to Goodwill, even with the price of gas?

Price your stuff. Don’t make me chase you down for a price and have to stand there while you discuss it with your better half. This is only going to irritate me. This is your stuff; you should already have an idea of how you will price it.

Ladies, you are not working in a showroom or department store. Don’t stand there and try to find clothes for me that you think would be so darling. I’m too old to have you looking for my clothes now. Let me do the digging — that’s part of the hunt!

Make your signs visible! Do not use brown cardboard and a pencil. Florescent paper is best and write the directions in large letters. Put up as many signs as you can, treat us like squirrels you are trying to lure to you. Leave us a trail of acorns to your yard sale; you’ll get more customers that way.

And if I have to chase you through your yard while you are eating a biscuit, don’t get angry with me because I interrupted your breakfast. You should have been ready for us. You should know that we’ll be the first ones out on a Saturday morning looking for yard sales.

Janice Kennedy
Statesville

Letter: A tribute to veterans

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:02:00 +0000

I wrote this poem; maybe you can use it:

Somewhere a man is crying, hungry, alone and hurt.
His head rests not on pillows, but cardboard boxes and dirt.
He would give His right arm to have a bit of food,
but people walk right by Him and say ‘Hey Bum curse you.’
His left arm is missing, He was not born that way.
He lost it in a battle way back in ‘the day.’
He fought and servrd His country, The good ’ol USA
and now they call Him crazy and leave Him where He lays.
He tried to get some help once, but only got closed doors.
They said we will help tonite old man, but can’t do nothing more.
And when the Memorial Day Parade came through, honoring ALL the vets
they came in midget cars, motor bikes and convertible corvettes.
When the moment came to sing, “The Star Spangled Banner”
He slowly rose with His only hand and saluted in Military Manner.
And watching the happy children, a tear rolled down His face.
He thought “I’d do it ALL again to protect the USA.”

Casaundra A. Lemke
Cleveland, N.C.

Editorial: Two groups of employees

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:03:00 +0000

While teachers can look forward to a nice pay raise if Gov. Mike Easley's budget is approved by the N.C. General Assembly, the governor's spending plan contains little more than a snub for the rest of the state's work force.

Easley's plan includes a 7 percent raise for teachers and 6 percent pay increase for school administrators, but non-teachers will get only a 1.5 percent raise and a $1,000 bonus. That kind of disparity is certainly not going to build goodwill among the rank-and-file employees who actually run the state government.

The governor's $21.5 billion spending plan increases spending by $870 million over the current budget.

Easley proposes adding more than 750 new positions in state government, but calls for increasing the state taxes on cigarettes and alcohol to fund the teacher raises and pay for reforms to the state's mental health system.

Through its policies, this administration has created two classes of state workers: teachers and everyone else. The only folks who fare worse in this budget than state troopers, corrections officers and other second-tier employees are people who smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. Quitting cold turkey may be the best remedy for all involved.

Editorial: An 'A' for effort

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:56:00 +0000

We don't envy the recently overworked and vastly underpaid members of the Statesville City Council.

The council is expected to work late into the night again this evening as it resumes a contentious quasi-judicial hearing to determine whether Maymead Materials Inc. is legally entitled to operate an asphalt plant within the city limits.

If the council decides in Maymead's favor, its members will no doubt incur the wrath of angry neighbors who don't want the plant, its emissions or the big trucks that will accompany it in their back yards. And who can blame them?

If the council rejects Maymead's request for the special-use permit it needs, it runs the risk of exposing the city to a civil lawsuit and thousands of dollars in legal fees.

That's a heavy burden for a group of elected officials that makes an average of $11 an hour.

As the news article on today's front page explains, this council has put in long hours during the past month listening to testimony in the Maymead case, reviewing the city's proposed budget for fiscal year 2008-09 and responding to daily concerns and complaints from their constituents.

We haven't always agreed with the actions this council has taken, but it's tough to find fault with their effort.

Editorial: A city on the run

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Sun, 18 May 2008 12:41:00 +0000

Everywhere you looked on Saturday, it seemed like Statesville was on the move.

More than 200 competitors - ages 11 to 71 - swam, cycled and ran their way across the finish line for the inaugural Statesville Rotary Triathlon.

Along the way, they certainly inspired others to try and follow in their footsteps next year.

And while they might not be triathletes just yet, the 41 girls who ran and walked the 5K portion of the race Saturday morning provided a little inspiration of their own.

Through 12 weeks of training with Girls on the Run, the students learned the many values of physical activity and that it's taking part in the race that matters most, not winning. These are lessons we could all stand to remember.

Maybe it was the near-perfect weather, but it seemed like the rest of Statesville ditched the couch in favor of the great outdoors as well.

People strolled through downtown, walked their dogs, took their kids to the park and had impromptu football games in the front yard.

All that activity was a good reminder of what a healthy, vital place our community can be. Especially when we take the time to get outside and look around.

Editorial: Hamby showed class

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:26:00 +0000

Diane Hamby ended her campaign for North Carolina's 5th Congressional District seat on Friday the same way she ran her campaign the past few months.

With true class, she bowed out of the Democratic race 10 days after voters narrowly handed the Democratic nomination to her opponent, Roy Carter.

Trailing by less than 1 percent of the vote - or 475 votes, Hamby was legally entitled to a recount of the tens of thousands of ballots cast in 12 counties in the May 6 primary. She decided against that, acknowledging that statistically she had very little chance of emerging as the winner.

The graceful exit doesn't surprise us. Hamby ran a clean campaign, focusing squarely on the issues and the performance of Rep. Virginia Foxx while refusing to sling mud at her Democratic opponent. A former Iredell County commissioner, Hamby would have been a formidable foe for the Republican incumbent. She can be proud of the race she ran from beginning to end.

Letter: The Rev. Wright is practicing the vulgarities he preaches

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:54:00 +0000

On Monday, May 12, Robert B. Kopper said he “watched daily for a letter from some area clergyman on the antics of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.” Here’s something for you: Jesus was a Jew, not black or white. It is not appropriate to take God’s name in vain from behind the pulpit. Sometimes the devil is the loudest one in the room.

Marcus Troutman
Troutman

Letter: Democratic leadership guilty of exercising poor judgment

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Norman) — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:06:00 +0000

It has been said that in the house that is America, the biggest room is the room for improvement. That critique comes not from those who hate America, but from those who love America, and it comes regardless of which political party is in power.

We need liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans to bring their best ideas for solutions to the problems America faces to a fair and balanced debate. That debate has been everything but fair and balanced since the beginning of the Iraq war.

The venomous rhetoric from the Democratic leadership in Washington has swollen the flow of public discourse at home and abroad with distrust and hate overflowing the bridge Democrats and Republicans must traverse in order to do America’s business in Washington and abroad.

When one accuses the commander-in-chief and military of the many horrible things that the Democratic leadership has since the beginning of the Iraq war, at a time of great peril for our military personnel around the world, then he or she must have proof to back up those charges. Democrats running for office say that they want to restore America’s image around the world. It seems to me that if they are serious, that restoration should begin in the Democratic Party.

Am I accusing the Democratic leadership of being unpatriotic? No, I am accusing them of poor judgment.

Paul A. Lowe
Hiddenite