Voters Deserve an Explanation
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Last week, the Moore County Commissioners held a public hearing to decide whether to borrow $40 million to build a new detention center/jail in Carthage.
Moore County is already $100 million in debt. The county could issue General Obligation bonds, which would be the least expensive alternative and would allow citizens to vote on whether to proceed with the project.
At the public hearing, people expressed their concerns about the effect the new jail would have on public safety and property values and raised questions about how the county would make $3 million per year bond payments.
Commissioner Morgan made a motion to put the issue on the November ballot and allow the public to vote on it. Commissioner Lea seconded the motion, but it was voted down by Commissioners Caddell, Picerno and Melton.
Two of the commissioners who voted it down ignored a request to recuse themselves. They are affiliated with Southern Software, which sells software to jails and law enforcement agencies.
Their company “donated” its software to the Moore County Sheriff’s Department, and if the county builds this state-of-the-art jail it will provide a perfect showcase for the company to demonstrate its software, which it sells to other sheriff’s departments for $350,000 plus a $25,000 annual maintenance fee.
Moore County is undergoing budget cuts and hiring freezes, and there are serious questions about whether we should make this project a priority and cut funding to other projects to pay for it.
These decisions should be made by the citizens of Moore County and not by two men who will personally profit from the project.
I hope The Pilot and voters will challenge these men to explain why they chose to deny the people a chance to vote on this important issue.
Jamie Clarke
Pinehurst
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Comments
GoldenDreams 2 years, 10 months ago
Well said, Jamie Clark! That is why Commissioner Melton is going to be challenged in November. He is known to basically go along with the wishes of Mr. Picerno and Mr. Caddell. What a shame that the citizens of Moore County cannot vote on such an important issue as this new detention center. Isn't that out right as Americans? It is high time to get rid of this triumvirate that rules Moore County with an iron, greedy hand.
SANDHILLSK9 2 years, 10 months ago
Lets hope November will bring a Change to our County Leadership! This is the only legal way to show the Commissioner this county and its cookie jar is run and watched by the People and not by the "big FIVE". *Damage Control starts just 4 month down the Road!*
OBXNC 2 years, 10 months ago
OBXNC- When these 5 commisoners where voted into office it was at the will of the people. Now when they are doing their jobs they are bashed as trying to get over on the citizens. The sad fact about the detention center issue is that when something could have been done about it (3-4 YEARS AGO), or was in opposition, no one seemed to care. There are some, probably a majority, of people that are for a new detention center for this county, and the public servants we have in office have to make the hard choices. Mr. Clark when did your intrest start? Maybe when you were contacted by a group of digruntled citizens? Moore Co. is changing everyday and we better prepare now. Like it or not the gates are open, and the people keep coming. Let's have facilities that can handle the growth and provide the best for the citizens.
grifft 2 years, 10 months ago
You want a explanation! I will give you one! No one wants a jail near there home. So why not just let the Sheriffs office after a arrest bring them to you home and you take the fighting, the fifth, the name calling, the feeding. That way they will not even need a jail. Oh yeah, I forgot you will have to transport weekly to court and to mental wards, also central prison. Just think of how much money your tax dollars could save. You as citizens of this county need to get out of the fog. The Sheriff Lane Cater is doing a fine job with what he has to work with. You are lucky to have this man.We could go back into the days were the jail was a old white house. The cells were in the basement and the jailer and Detective by the name of Ed Cockman who lived at the jail with his wife and two children. In the front section while his wife Francis cooked the meals for the prisoners. So what more explanation do the citizens of Moore County need. Stop your complaining it could be worse. T.R. Griffin
ohreally 2 years, 10 months ago
I have read many blogs regarding this issue, and I must say that I agree with most that say this should be on a ballot for the voters to decide. However, it seems that the issue is dealing with the location more than the cost. I do not believe that will show up on a ballot. As a registered voter, I will have to say that if this was on a ballot I would vote for it. As far as the location, I do believe a more suitable location could have been found. The fact that it is close to the courthouse means nothing, it's not like they are walking them from the jail to the courthouse.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 10 months ago
Why don't we just do away with the Commissioners entirely and subject every county expenditure to a lengthy and costly referendum? Would that make you people happy? We'd probably have no jail, no sheriff's department, and no schools, but by God the voice of the people would be heard.
SoBelle 2 years, 10 months ago
Thank you Mr. Clark for stepping forward to bring to light the fact that as taxpayers and citizens of this county, we have no voice in local government. Yes the commissioners were elected, at least where I come from, to represent the interests of the people. The way I see it, the people have lost their voice ~ has our country come to a point where once elected, those in office can circumvent the will of the people?
We might need additional beds for criminals, but 600? What happened to pay-as-you-go by building what we can afford? Mr. Griffin, didn't your mother teach you manners and respect for others opinions. Why on God's green earth would anyone want to take prisoners home when the state runs a transportation bus on a regular basis to prisons across the state. I would pray that this discussion could remain civil and debated by intellectual individuals.
No one from the Republican party, Board of Commissioners, or anyone else can provide answer my first and only question: Why can't I vote on the facts; why we need this money pit in downtown Carthage? Who will benefit from all of this? Since Mr. Caddell and Mr. Picerrno own a company that sells software to Law Enforcement Agencies, and to Moore County, isn't that first and foremost a conflict of interest? I tend to think so. My bridge club and club members are not a bit senile or not one has alzhrimer's - yet. We can still cast a ballot and I'm sure it will be for Mr. Toda. We have to give government back to the people from the courthouse to the Whitehouse.
SCCstudent 2 years, 10 months ago
Dusty => "Two of the commissioners who voted it down ignored a request to recuse themselves. They are affiliated with Southern Software, which sells software to jails and law enforcement agencies."
Your insight is representative to that of North Korea ~ one man - on vote.
In our case is two men with personal and financial interests and two votes with Jimmie Melton in tow. Just my opinion....
Southernfried 2 years, 10 months ago
Everyone needs to go online to the N.C. General Assembly. Go to 'Find Bill by Number' 2009 and type in S716. This will bring up the Ethics and Government Reform Changes currently pending in the House of Representatives. This pending bill is meant to strengthen the current State Ethics laws. Maybe they were worried that Statute 234 did not have enough teeth to incriminate the likes of Caddell, Picerno, and their accomplice Melton. Maybe all the complaints to the SBI and the State Attorney General, the State realized they needed to strenghthen the current legislation regarding Ethical Law?
As 'But Seriously' wrote in a previous thread, "show me their business cards." Quite simple really this moral dilemma of conflict of interest.
And what was with the rush so we could not vote? Are Caddell, Melton, and Picerno worried about someone running against Melton that they might lose their 3-2 voting hold or the pending S716 legislation that will tighten the State Commissioners moral obligations to the tax payers? Why were they so so worried about a public vote in November? Easy answer. In this economy and with Moore County's existing 104 million dollar debt they never would have won.
When will the taxpayers of Moore County realize they have been duped to pay for a giant glossy showroom for Southern Software?
coffecreme 2 years, 10 months ago
We are a represented democracy. I may not agree that we need a jail, but these were the people you elected to represent your county and the needs of the people.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 10 months ago
"Your insight is representative to that of North Korea ~ one man - on vote."
North Korea? Really? You're serious?
Your 'insight" is that of a hysterical drama queen. And if they offer remedial English at Sandhills, I suggest you sign up for it.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 10 months ago
Careful, coffecreme. You keep talking about representative democracy, They'll be comparing you to Ahmadinejad.
Oh, and anyone who thinks I'm sort of shill for Caddell and Picerno can ask them. There's no love lost between us. And I don't think I've ever met Melton. But hey, SCCstudent, don't let the facts get in the way of a good tantrum.
coffecreme 2 years, 10 months ago
Well Dusty, I guess they can call me that then, but it doesnt change the fact we are a Representative Democracy or as James Madison defined it a Republic .
TheNeedle 2 years, 10 months ago
"It is high time to get rid of this triumvirate that rules Moore County with an iron, greedy hand."
Because, after all, a majority vote by legally elected representatives is the purest form of tyranny there is.
All of this manic hyperbole is certainly amusing, but it makes the anti-jail faction look like a bunch of crackpots.
None 2 years, 10 months ago
"Because, after all, a majority vote by legally elected representatives is the purest form of tyranny there is." So why is there a TEA party? Should all of our representatives be re-elected to office. Then accordingly, we have no dishonest politicans in Washington or anywhere else for that matter. Why even have elections, just let them all represent their self - interests and lobbyists. http://www.opensecrets.org Find the one that isn't on the take?
After serving their terms like Strom Thurman and Robert Byrd, just ask around to see who would have an interest in taking their place.
Southernfried 2 years, 10 months ago
@OBXNC "No one cared" let me correct that - no one knew! There were no Public Hearing signs posted at the Grimm property or any letters written to notify adjoining property owners. "the gates are open" yes to a huge prison which Moore County does not need . Okay. I agree we need a new jail so double the size of the one we have now and move it out of town with a new Court House. "provide what is best for its citizens" how about saving them 50 million and giving them the chance to vote on it @ T.R.Griffin are you a member of the "there was always a jail there" group. Opie is looking for you. @Dusty once again let me give your lawyer's office across the street from the Court House a plug @Coffeecream yes we elected these County Commissioners but three (Caddell, Melton, and Picerno) of them are not doing a good job. Why am I supposed to put faith in three men who have run for office to line their own pockets?? @ the Needle I am not a crackpot. When your property taxes get raised (don't forget they still need to expand the Court House, buy land, and build a Government Complex Center) and your property taxes go through the roof try to remember the crackpots affectionately and remember what they had to say. I mean do it while you are crying all the way to the bank.
None 2 years, 10 months ago
"All of this manic hyperbole", you obviously must be referring to the Power Point presentation by the chair of the Detention Center Committee, Chief Deputy Neil Godfrey? Or those of us who cherish our rights as American Citizens to exercise our right to vote on issues based on transparency in government? Why don’t we throw out the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and revert back to ancient times when Lords and Kings made all of the decisions for their servants?
To my knowledge, no one has commented on whether the holding capacity of the present detention center should be expanded. Ergo, those who live and vote in Carthage wasn’t provided adequate time to respond to the land purchase; did you see any signs announcing the pending hearing by the Carthage Zoning Board? No one else did either! Another matter of interest when building on a site that doesn’t perk, when footings are dug to pour concrete and there are subliminal water issues that weren’t addressed at the time the land was conveyed, the price goes up. As a builder I always have contengency clauses in my contracts to address those issues that come up once construction has begun.
Notwithstanding, the fact that Dennis Brobst nor the County complied with North Carolina Law by completing an environmental study for suitability standards. Then their negligence may result in numerous change orders for subsequent engineering, additional cost of excavation, labor, materials and concrete could run over the proposed budget by tens of thousands. Perhaps Chris Smithson could provide readers with some insight into contractual matters that created cost over-runs for the new Southern Pines Police Complex.
“but it makes the anti-jail faction look like a bunch of crackpots.” In your opinion – perhaps - or could it be American Citizens who are voicing their concerns about exercising their right to vote on financial matters of public trust? But in your words, this manic hyperbole [obvious exaggeration] is just "crackpots."
eflat7 2 years, 10 months ago
Here we go again. Lets hit 200 posts this time!!
Southernfried 2 years, 10 months ago
@eflat7 How did you know it hit 200 if you had not been reading all of them. Good for you. @ohreally There are no plans at the current time to connect the jail and the court house. No plans to build an underground tunnel. The prisoners will be transported by car a very short distance. Solutions for Government presented a study which the taxpayer paid for. They recommended knocking the old jail down and building a new court house where the jail is now and then connecting it to a new Detention Center. But, no. It was not in the interest of three of the commissioners. God forbid one dime goes to Judge Webb and his court house. Why? Southern Software does not sell systems for court houses and Judge Webb would not accomodate tours of prospective Southern Software clients. Better to restrict all the tax payers money to the Sheriff Department and a huge prison since Caddell and Picerno are in the business of law enfocement and jail software. It is called Greed. Make your own showroom the best the taxpayers money can buy. Since Southern Software is probably planning to expand across the whole U.S. why not use the taxpayers money to build what you need.The dumb majority after all voted them in office!
OBXNC 2 years, 10 months ago
OBXNC - Southernfried, After that land was bought by the county the land had to have the zoning changed to do the type of building they are wanting to do there now. The town of Carthage could have started at that point pushing against it, along with concerned residents. I'm not trying to be combative with you here, just trying to understand why the concern of some is so strong now, when evidently several folks along the way wanted this project, and not just the commisioners. I'm sure you are concerned, and I'm sorry it came across that way.
TheNeedle 2 years, 10 months ago
"Why don’t we throw out the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and revert back to ancient times when Lords and Kings made all of the decisions for their servants? "
Thanks for proving my point.
Objecting to the jail is one thing. Babbling about kings and tyranny and North Korea in this context makes you all look silly.
"The dumb majority"? So, Southernfried, you're so much smarter than the other voters in the county? How condescending and elitist.
The anti-jail candidates lost the election. The anti-jail commissioners lost the vote. That is how representative government works. But now, as always, the losing side is acting like spoiled children on a playground yelling "cheater! cheater!" and demanding a do-over because they lost the game. That, I suppose, is how representative government works in America, which has turned into an entire nation of sore losers.
Southernfried 2 years, 10 months ago
to OBXNC I have not written well today. I must show my home for sale tomorrow. I have worked on my home for 12 years and with great pride placed it on the National Register of Historic Places. It makes me very sad and angry that I live in a town where a majority of the people do not care if this prison comes to town. Those that have supported the jail are brainwashed that this is a good thing. They have no idea how it is going to turn this historic town upside down. We did push against the town planning board and the town commissioners. Most of the time it was standing room only at these hearings. The Pilot always covered these hearings in favor of the Detention Center. If you had seen all the Stop the Detention Center signs in Carthage you would know how strong the fight was. Most residents still refuse to take their signs down. "It is so strong now" well it has always been this strong but we have not been represented in the only news vehicle in Moore County, the Pilot. As I wrote before, we have been beaten by a couple of sleazy politicians and a newspaper. I must go offline now so I can get my home ready to show for sale tomorrow. I am a horse person and should move to Southern Pines. However, I fear now for Moore County as long as this corruption continues. I am hoping my husband will agree to move out of this county. I appreciate you clearing up what you meant and your politeness in expressing it.
Southernfried 2 years, 10 months ago
@the Needle I am one of the dumb majority. I voted for Picerno. I do regret referring to the dumb majority since I was one of them. When I found out about Southern Software my eyes opened. The first time I looked at their web site I realized I had been had. Yep, throw me right in with the dumb majority. DENR has not ruled and the financing still has a couple of hurdles to pass. Oh, yeah, there is the next election and the chance to break the 3-2 hold. (What anti jail commissioner ran for office? Did not think there were any commissioners who ran who were anti jail.) By the way, I showed my dogs your dogs photo. They think he is an appetizer. Have a Happy 4th!!!
TheNeedle 2 years, 10 months ago
I seem to remember someone mentioning a Carthage mayoral candidate who ran on an anti-jail platform, and lost badly, among the electorate who you'd think would be most concerned.
But I guess you know what's better for the people than the rest of the "dumb" voters.
None 2 years, 10 months ago
"Because, after all, a majority vote by legally elected representatives is the purest form of tyranny there is." By definition: tyranny n. unrestrained exercise of power; unmerciful rule.
You have qualified the fact that tyranny exists in county government with an unmerciful rule by two commissioners; Larry Caddell and Nick Picerno. You seem to have a knack for adlibbing to suit your purpose. When American Citizens lose their privilege to cast a vote in matters of economic stabilization for a government entity overwhelmed with public debt already in excess of 100 million dollars that is akin to a communist regime – like North Korea where on one person has the only vote. In the case of the Carthage Mafia, it is two people making a financial decision for the population of an entire county. I’m sure those residents of Moore County in Glendon, Highfalls, Bennett, Westmore Community, and over to Robbins, would support paying for water infrastructure, water line replacement in Old Towne, and a new water tower for the Village of Pinehurst. The three postured themselves to resist upgrading water services to Pinehurst until the Wagram plant became a resource of water for the Village. Then they wanted to bundle water needs of Pinehurst with the Detention Center. They sat on their thumbs too long and now they are backed into a mole hole. If they had transparency in government, they would have given public notice that 10 million in bonds would be required to provide this much needed utility service to Pinehurst and earmarked the revenues from water customers to satisfy the debt service. Picerno made the motion, seconded by Caddell and passed with Melton tagging along to bundle the debt service. Why did they have such a desire to co-mingle funds and debt? Because Southern Software, Inc. doesn’t monitor utilities and Villagers would more than likely support the 52.5 Million since it has a carrot hidden in the millions? As far as their being elected to office again, no one who I know was privy to the fact that Caddell and Picerno was flying just below NC General Statues for conflict of interest by public officials. Sadly, the big spenders who have self-serving interests are building bank accounts while county employees go without cost of living raises – again. Lords and Kings store their treasures while the commoners just try to survive in a disastrous economy. I wonder how many voters in the last election were aware of how the powers of three were subliminally strategizing for Southern Software, Inc. growth. I sure didn’t and I keep up with the politics here in Moore County. It’s all about transparency in government. Starting on the local level.
None 2 years, 10 months ago
eflat7 ~ I really appreciate the fact that The Pilot has finally moved into the world of electronic media. It's not just a Letter to the Editor that was chosen for reasons not known to readers to be published; now everyone has a voice and can express an opinion. For way too long ~ government has run rough shod over the interest and desires of the people. All the while divvying out what they wanted us to see and hear. Now the political wheel has hit a bump in the road so to speak, and it's about to fall off the hub.
eflat7 2 years, 10 months ago
@Toda @Southernfried
I love the comments section... yep, I read every one of them.
TheNeedle 2 years, 10 months ago
"You seem to have a knack for adlibbing to suit your purpose. "
It's a minor talent but it serves me well.
So now the commissioners are communists. tyrants, and the Mafia. You really don't have any idea how ridiculous you sound.
Do go on, though. I can't wait to see what you come up with next. Nazis perhaps? It's the only thing you haven't called them.
SoBelle 2 years, 10 months ago
Who would let their pets play with needle syringes?
None 2 years, 10 months ago
"this triumvirate that rules Moore County with an iron, greedy hand." Your words not mine. But only two are greedy ~ the third in your triumvirate is there only in body - the other two does his thinking for him.
"legally elected representatives is the purest form of tyranny there is." *Did you use the word - tyranny - on your post? Thanks for qualifying that for the rest of us that in your opinion they are tyrants. [July 2, 2010 at 2:06 p.m.]
Good thought about the Nazi comment - but those two can't Svengali all of the citizens of Moore County with open forums bringing transparancy to government! The good 'ol days are long gone. I wouldn't go as far as to compare Larry Caddell to Hitler ~ Kim Jung Il maybe. They both speak for all the people...like it or not! They are both motivated by greed and self-serving interests.
MAFIA: a popular spirit of hostility to legal restraint and to the law, oftain manifesting itself in criminal acts; any small powerful group or influential group in an organization or field; clique.
One of their own political appointees, Dennis Brobst stated a week ago that they failed to have Federal and State Environmental studies conducted prior to the land purchase. Not my words - Brobst!
And - least we not forget, Caddell and Picerno's refusal to recuse themself's when their personal interest could be well served by building a new Detention Center. That should be worth millions in advertising for Southern Software, Inc. The Showcase of the east coast.
None 2 years, 10 months ago
[July 2, 2010 at 8:50 p.m.] My post and thanks to one of my nieces, I forgot to mention the Spies Community, West Philadelphia and Bensalem Church Community.
Yes -they will pay as well in more new tax property re-evaluations.
TheNeedle 2 years, 10 months ago
Toda, are you drunk? You're certainly incoherent enough.
None 2 years, 10 months ago
The Needle ~ so now you are resorting to sarcasm as opposed to addressing issues inherit to county government. Try to stick to the issues as opposed to direct attacks laced with stupidity. If you can’t stand the heat – get out of the kitchen.
None 2 years, 10 months ago
By the way Needle ~ you are oblivious to the fact, like many who live in this county, that Moore County extends past Carthage. Have you ever heard of Glendon? Yep that’s in Moore County as well.
SoBelle 2 years, 10 months ago
Needle, What is in that syringe in your poor dogs mouth? If you did not have an alias we would report you to Animal Control. Poor little dog.
TheNeedle 2 years, 10 months ago
Boy, Toda's a mean drunk, isn't he?
SoBelle, my little dog Watson thanks you for your concern, but assures you he's fine.
SoBelle 2 years, 10 months ago
Mr. or Mrs. Needle, That is not a nice thing to say. Do you personally know Mr. Toda? He serves in his church for goodness sake.
clbvpm 2 years, 10 months ago
Toda~ Bennett is in Chatham County.
clbvpm 2 years, 10 months ago
~ SoBelle says... "Mr. or Mrs. Needle, That is not a nice thing to say. Do you personally know Mr. Toda? He serves in his church for goodness sake."
So do Larry Caddell and Nick Picerno.
SoBelle 2 years, 10 months ago
O' are they drunks too?
None 2 years, 10 months ago
clbvpm [July 4, 2010 at 2:39 p.m.] and you are correct. I have some family who live on NC HWY 22 on North Moore Road, just inside the Moore County line and they have a Bennett mailing address. There are some county employees who live on the border as well. Haw Branch is close to here and there. Have you ever visited the thriving metropolis of Haw Branch? My point in all of this is that there are more taxpayers involved than just Carthage, Pinehurst and Southern Pines. But who benefits and who pays?
TheNeedle 2 years, 10 months ago
"That is not a nice thing to say."
SoBelle, sweetie, when did I ever claim to be a nice person?
"He serves in his church for goodness sake. "
So? Many drunks and scoundrels are frequent churchgoers.
But maybe Toda isn't a drunk. Maybe there's some other reason his posts are coherent one time and rambling and disjointed the next. Perhaps he should get a CAT scan to rule out some sort of stroke.
Bflat 2 years, 10 months ago
Let's explore possibilities of why the so-called "Anti-DC" candidate (or crowd) lost the vote in the last election. Consider that not much information was available about the size and cost of the jail. It slowly began coming out about the obvious "shove through" of the facility, and all the people had not been fully informed. Perhaps the outcome would have been different if more information had been available a lot sooner.
We don't need to sit back and watch and wait simply because the elected candidates are doing whatever they want to do, continuing to shove things through rapidly with their powers. Those elected are still accountable for their actions. All indications are that they do fly just under the radar limit of various conflicts. The people do have a right to know this. However, those supporting the "power of three" always say we elected them and let them do their job. If no one speaks up, then there is the rant about how no one said anything at the time certain actions were being done. There are now reasons for us to speak up and show our concern about this issue while bad decisions are being made that will impact Moore County for many years to come. The expansion of the DC may be needed but the way it is being done is the wrong way and in the wrong location. Oh yes, just go ahead and get by right now, only to find years later that it was the wrong location and wasn't properly planned from the outset. Just shove it on through right now as quickly as possible and be done with it. Push it on through before the taxpayers have time to stop it. Isn't that what's happening?
I don't think labeling certain ones as Anti DC quite sums it up. Most agree there is a need for a DC, but not in the proposed location in the Historic Town of Carthage and not in the manner that it is being done. The people have a right to continue to look into the facts of this matter and have concerns addressed and information made available. The reason concern is so strong now is because more information and facts are now coming out.