Moore County Democrats have attracted several candidates for state and local offices for an Aug. 9 rally.

State Sen. Kay Hagan, who is challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, has agreed to attend the rally, as have Teresa Sue Bratton, candidate for the 6th Congressional District, and Betty Mangum, of Pinehurst, who is running for the state House of Representatives.

The Meet the Candidates Rally, scheduled from 5 until 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, will be held in the Pinecrest High School cafeteria. The $10 per person charge includes a barbecue dinner. Reservations can be made by calling county Democratic headquarters at 947-1933 or Tonia Camina at 692-7866.

Other Democrats who have accepted the Moore County invitation include: Beth Wood, candidate for state auditor; Sam J. Ervin IV, Judge Linda Stephens and Judge Cheri L. Beasley, all candidates for N.C. Court of Appeals; Wayne Goodwin, candidate for state insurance commissioner; and Tony Berk, candidate for Moore County district attorney.

The Moore County Democrat-ic Party and the Democratic Women of Moore County are co-sponsoring the rally.

BUILDING -- After a minor comeback in May, the number of building permits issued in June dropped to 55.

The total is 16 fewer than the May number. The 55 permits bring the total for the year to 340, a 9.1 percent decrease from the 374 issued through June last year.

The June building permit report prepared by the Code Enforcement Division of the Moore County Planning Department shows that 17 permits were issued for residences, 35 for alterations and additions and three for commercial buildings.

Total value of the 55 buildings was estimated at $6.6 million, down from the $8.2 million in May, or 14 percent lower for the year to date by comparison with the same period in 2007. Estimated total value for building permits issued so far this year exceeds $35.1 million.

Moore County provides building inspection service for all unincorporated areas of the county and for seven of the 11 municipalities. Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen and Pinebluff provide their own inspections.

VOTER GUIDE -- The League of Women of Voters is already working on the 2008 edition of a Voters Guide to assist registrants with their November voting plans.

Organization President Jo Nicholas said The Pilot newspaper is cooperating with the league in publication of the guide, expected to be available in October.

ELECTION -- Residents who have not registered to vote but want to participate in the Nov. 4 general election have until Friday, Oct. 10, to get their names on registration books.

After that date, the books will be closed until after the election.

Voting by absentee ballot by mail begins Sept. 15, and one-stop absentee voting will begin Oct. 16.

SEWER PLANTS -- In August, the Moore County Planning Board will hold a workshop on package sewer plants.

The workshop was planned after board members raised questions about such sewer treatment facilities proposed for major developments.

Planning Director Joey Raczkowski advised the board of initial plans at a July meeting. The Board of Commissioners will also be invited to attend.

Contact Florence Gilkeson by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.