Right2Vote Rally Focuses on Detention Center

As of Wednesday, September 1, 2010

People with opinions about the proposed detention center were urged Tuesday to express their views to their county commissioners.

The occasion was a gathering dubbed the Right2Vote rally, arranged by John Marcum and held in the assembly room of the Pinehurst Village Hall. More than 60 people attended.

Marcum and his supporters expressed a variety of concerns on the subject but most of the people speaking said the county should put the $50 million bond issue to a vote of the people. The Moore County Board of Commissioners has voted 3-2 to issue limited obligation bonds, which do not require a vote. Of that amount, $10 million is designated for utility capital improvements in Pinehurst, the remaining $40 million for the public safety-detention center.

Not everyone attending the rally agreed with the views of Marcum and his followers, and some people adopted a neutral stand.

“We elect people to study issues and come up with solutions,” said Bob Levy, chairman of the Moore County Republican Party.

Levy, who took no position on the issue pro or con, was asked to address the gathering, as were Democratic Party Chairman Jim Heim and representatives of the Moore Tea Citizens.

“We have five Republicans on the board. They differ. That’s good. In our party there is room for difference of opinion,” the GOP chairman said.

It was Levy who first urged everyone to e-mail, write or call the commissioners to share their opinions about the controversial detention center, planned for a site in downtown Carthage. He also urged everyone to respect the commissioners, whether they agreed with their views or not, and said the county “is blessed with five great commissioners.”

Dee Park, leader of the Moore Tea Citizens, also expressed no opinion on the issue and reported that the local tea party group has not taken a position on the detention center or the method of paying for it. She said that the Moore Tea Citizens were named in the newspaper advertisement without the group’s permission.

“We feel very strongly that if you have an opinion, you should go directly to your commissioners. This is a county where we are still free to express our opinions,” she said.

Park said that her group concentrates their energy on state and national fiscal matters. She was joined by John Rowerdink, a fellow tea partier.

Admitting that his party represents little more than 20 percent of the vote now, Heim thanked everyone for their civic pride in attending the meeting “when you could be doing so many other things.”

Heim expressed concern that the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world and asked why Moore County needs such an expansion of its jail. He questioned whether the town of Carthage has the infrastructure needed to accommodate such a large facility.

The Democrats’ leader also had questions about the two commissioners with association with Southern Software, the firm that donated the software needed for the sheriff’s department about three years ago.

“If it’s really an asset for the county, I would support it,” Heim said of the project.

Paul Dunn, another supporter of the Tuesday rally, said he has visited the jail and has seen for himself the need for enlargement. However, he called the plan “outrageous” and called it poor planning to “superimpose this thing in the middle of Carthage.”

Dunn said the project needs more study.

Marcum presided for the rally, which was opened with a power point presentation reviewing the background of the project, beginning with the purchase of 21 acres in downtown Carthage in 2007. The county paid $1.5 million for the land, six acres of which are wetlands and unavailable for development. The land was appraised for $667,000 on the tax books and at $950,000 to $1.2 million by a private appraisal firm.

Assisting Marcum with the presentation were Libby Moodie of Carthage and Doug Middaugh of Pinehurst.

They reviewed the county’s financial condition and reported that the county can legally borrow about $224 million and presently has bonded obligations of about $120 million.

Marcum said that through the years the county commissioners have “done a pretty good job” of holding the property tax rate at about the same level. Although 79 of the 100 counties have higher rates, he said that Moore County has the highest tax levy per capita among surrounding counties and also the highest property values. For that reason, Marcum said, Moore County is more vulnerable to economic change.

Marcum expressed concern that construction of the huge building would mean higher property taxes in the future. He said the people should be given the opportunity to vote on such a huge debt.

The rally leader did commend the county staff for cooperating with his research and providing data requested.

Some members of the Pinehurst Village Council attended the meeting but did not speak.

None of the county commissioners attended, but William Garner, a Democratic candidate for the seat held by Commissioner Jimmy Melton, was present and did address the gathering. Garner said the people should be allowed to vote.

The floor was opened for anyone in the audience to address the gathering, and several took advantage of the opportunity. Their comments ranged from concern about the cost to issues relating to the safety of Carthage residents.

More like this story

plumblevel 2 years, 8 months ago

I would like to thank Florence Gilkeson for her fair and unbiased reporting. This article was well written and she did an excellent job of representing the difference of opinions of those in attendance. Thank you, Florence.

None 2 years, 8 months ago

Dee Park doesn’t have any idea what "grassroots" refers to when it comes to our own county's out-of-control spending!

"Park said that her group concentrates their energy on state and national fiscal matters." That statement has to be one of the most irresponsible comments anyone who lived through the last property re-evaluation has made thus far. Hopefully she doesn't speak for all 400 members of the Moore County TEA Activists. I bet she even approves of Glenn Beck and his psychopathic rhetoric.

Where were Parks and the rest of the TEA ACTIVISTS when Bush was spending 1 BILLION a month on two wars?
Her YouTube rant was an insult to All American’s who served this country fighting two wars of Bush’s own making…her sarcastic remarks fell on deft ears. Anyone who would chastise a representative for being 20 minutes late because Senator Hagan had just left a meeting with our soldiers should go back from whence she came – and it surly isn’t from around here! Vermont is home and that is where you should return!

You, Dee Park, are the reason people who have lived here their entire lives, resent imports like you. I bet I could raise enough to get you a bus ticket out of town….

GRITS 2 years, 8 months ago

In this economy, it seems important to have a referendum on a limited obligation bond of 50 million dollars. Why don't the commissioners want to know how their constituents really feel about it?

plumblevel 2 years, 8 months ago

Toda- a little strong don't ya think? I have relatives in Vermont and it is really a nice place to live.

Interesting fact from Right2Vote Town Hall Meeting: the Commission Study reported to Board by Neil Godfrey June 21, 2010 indicated 190-265 are all the beds needed by 2030. Why are we building a 147,000 sq ft building for 40 million if all we need by 2030 is 190-265 beds? Why are we spending 40 million in this economy?

"Judges recommendation to build Courthouse Facility first and locate it with the Detention Center outside of Town should be revisted". Why not go back to the drawing board and save some money in this economy. Look at the cheaper jails like in Harnett and Yadkin. Move the jail outside of town and build just one story with an attached courthouse. Moore County could save millions with a new plan. It is not too late.

None 2 years, 8 months ago

plumblevel => "Toda- a little strong don't ya think? I have relatives in Vermont and it is really a nice place to live." I enjoy Vermont syrup on pancakes. I do not have issues with most who make a conscious decision to relocate here in North Carolina. But when they make a bully pulpit of wasteful spending in Washington, while they are direct recipients of Stimulus Money [lake project lift stations], I find those people to be hypocritical. The TEA Party Activists support big spending in Carthage because they voted to put TPo3 in office ~ surely they can’t admit that decision was an error in judgment. But rest assured, when they have exhausted the luxury of living in God’s Country and move back home to spend their waning years with family, we will be paying off the debt they whole heartily endorsed. Yes - ambiguous political people cause me to lose my Southern Charm, and Dee’s YouTube exhibition about Kay Hagan, went over the top as far as I’m concerned. No one here owes her a thing but a ticket back to where she came from. She’s a first class hypocrite….

MooreNorth 2 years, 8 months ago

" I enjoy Vermont syrup on my pancakes'. "I do not have issues". Wasteful spending like water and sewer. " Southern Charm". Haven't laughed this hard in many moons. Keep'em coming. Can't wait for your book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Toda Edition".

Bflat 2 years, 8 months ago

Once again Toda has presented the facts. :))

None 2 years, 8 months ago

MooreNorth => "Wasteful spending like water and sewer." No my Southern friend - I don't have issues with spending on water and sewer...long overdue for Pinehurst. I just wonder how much royal poop is leaking from those turn of the century sewer lines in Pinehurst into our aquifer.

Until Pinehurst began negotiations for the water facilities in Wagram, did TPo3 realize that they were on the verge of losing votes from Pinehurst republicans! While Dee and the TEA Activists were spouting off about Washington on a spending spree [i.e. STIMULUS] with our tax dollars, TPo3 asked for 4 Million for the lift station project around Lake Pinehurst! Now - if that ain't the pot calling the kittle black, I'm a true Northerner. They want to "Take our Country Back"! From whom do they want to take our country back from? Big spenders? Look no further up the road than Carthage ~ folks!

If only those elected would be honest with those who elect them to office - from the courthouse to the White House, I would say very little about our indirect democracy form of government. But when we elect egotists who place themselves on a pedestal like they are deity, I have a vengeful existence. I wonder when people will start to vote armed with informed decisions, their conscience, and stop pulling the straight party ticket…Why do I need people like Park and psychopath Glenn Beck telling me how I should vote. I think I’ll take our country back from those who participate in “Plantation Mentality” tactics to sway votes and opinions…don’t think for yourself, we’ll tell you what you should do!

None 2 years, 8 months ago

Thanks Bflat ~ I just tell it like it is without the sugar coating that makes some with conflicts of interest fat...in the wallet.

None 2 years, 8 months ago

NorthMoore ~ "How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Toda Edition"." I think that comment was made tongue and cheek unless you are in my American National Government Class when last evening my Professor made a simular comment....Ironic! She calls me Toda in class as well {;-)

MooreNorth 2 years, 8 months ago

Haven't had Glenn, or Dee, tell me how to vote on anything. What both, Glenn Beck and Moore Tea Citizens, try to do is get out information. I say, the more info the better. MTC has always been focused on State and Federal, and they do it for free. If you wish, start a group that has local gov info as it's only focus. I don't think anybody would slam you for not covering the other levels. It would make no sense to attack such a group for not covering everything. No sense at all.

None 2 years, 8 months ago

MooreNorth => Their theme has always been "grassroots". To me grassroots starts at home. We are facing the largest spending deficit in Moore County history ~ just the interest alone will cost millions. I though TEA stood for "Taxed Enough Already" - have you seen your tax bill as well as other local taxes imposed on Moore County taxpayers. If not, I'll send you a power point that's a real eye opener. Not smoke and mirrors like Neil Godfreys' presentation. Talking about a total lack of factual information...that one was as ambiguous as any I've seen in some time.

Wait until the next property re-evaluation to pay for all of this spending...we'll see the blogs light up then! Too little too late. I call it the "Sledge Hammer Effect".

None 2 years, 8 months ago

CORRECTION: "I though TEA stood for" should have typed I thought....

plumblevel 2 years, 8 months ago

Why is Carthage getting a state of the art jail facility in the middle of its downtown when all we need is a simple jail outside of town? Why such poor planning? Why the hurry in this poor economy? Why the huge expense? Harnett Couny and Yadkin County are building jails with the per bed cost of half of what Caddell, Melton, and Picerno plan for Moore. This is an outrage.

Why ruin an historic town and endanger its citizens. Surely this can go back to the drawing board and why can't we vote? The public was only made aware of the 50 million dollar bond in June. The Pilot announced it on a Friday and the Commissioners voted the following Monday. Now we need a referendum on the November ballot. Surely it is our right since we have been given short notice as to the cost factor.

A Picerno spokesman, Joe Garrison, blogged why did we not do it in 2006. Well, for one, I had no knowledge of this until April 15, 2009.Then the cost was not announced until June 2010. You can hardly request a referendum until you have all the facts and know what you are voting on. Come on Nick you know better than that.

silentbob 2 years, 8 months ago

Toda here we are again. I think you mentioned the money former President Bush spent but you fail to mention all the money our current President (that by the way you voted for) has spent on bailing everyone out. As for Dee Park I like her and I think she made some good comments and I would bet she knows just as much as you and maybe more and I have lived here all my life. I am also starting to take a liking to Glenn Beck. See the deal is I am not a RINO like you confessed to be. If you read this carefully you might catch what I have been saying to you the past few months because I am going to repeat it. I have no personal problem with you but if someone on here or anywhere else don't agree with you then you start the 2 or 3 page long post on why they are wrong and you start bashing them.

plumblevel 2 years, 8 months ago

Dee Parks I have only seen twice and on both occasions she used the worst manners I have ever witnessed. She threw a hissy fit that Senator Hagan was late in her visit to Moore County at SCC.See the You Tube video. Hagan was late because she was meeting with veterans. She then came to the Rally2Vote Town Hall Meeting in Pinehurst only to try and hijack the event for her own agenda. She was beyond insulting to John Marcum who had invited her to speak. She could have called him privately if she had an issue with him but instead tried to humiliate him in front of the entire room. Just not quite sure who she thinks she is.

If the Tea Party's agenda is no taxation without representation then why did she not support the event? She went so far as to say she had posted something on the Moore Tea Citizens website about the 50 million dollar bond and no one in her party was interested.That does not speak well for the Tea Party. Isn't it her responsiblility to bring attention to issues of taxation without representation? Or is she only interested in flag waving?

She made this statement to a room full of concerned citizens who were there because they were worried about their taxes going up due to the huge expense of this proposed Detention Center. Most want a referendum on the 50 million bond issue or it will be taxation without representation. Dee Park needs to recheck what the Tea Party is all about.

JoeGarrison 2 years, 8 months ago

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silentbob 2 years, 8 months ago

Joe you know that want work, really it doesn't matter what his slogan is none of them will work. He is on here talking about how much money President Bush spent and he admittely is a RINO that voted for the President we have now that is spending the country to death. Even in questionable political circles calling yourself a RINO is not a good thing, people pay attention to comments like that.

None 2 years, 8 months ago

Joe ~ Once again ~ "did the county put out for bids the muncipal software contract?". Who benefits? Father-in-Law...Larry Caddell.

Going back to personal attacks I see because you have no arguement except "we can't vote on TPo3 spending us into higher taxation...." Interesting enough, I'm not the only one in Moore County who has the same question....should we be allowed to vote on a General Liability Bond at a lower interest rate, then a new cost effective plan could be developed that is workable.

For someone who graduated from Sandhills Community College last year, your spelling is atrocious. Maybe ~ english 050 perhaps?

JoeGarrison 2 years, 8 months ago

I agree Silentbob, Toda did call himself a RINO and seemed to think that earned credibility. Look Toda lighten up I was being derisive and shall we say sarcastic. No harm intended. You must learn not to take yourself so seriously:) To answer your question truthfully Toda I don't know. If you wish to find out why not call Nick up and ask him, he is your commissioner you know. Again lets all lighten up and discuss the issues and do it rationally, you know Toda my grandfather said that if you were right about something you didn't need to be angry or yell, and if you were wrong you couldn't afford to, it won't help anyways. So take it easy dude:)

JoeGarrison 2 years, 8 months ago

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

MooreNorth 2 years, 8 months ago

Moore Tea Citizens has always been State and Federal. If "You" want to start a group that addresses only Local Gov, go for it. I might even join. But to slam a group, or an individual, because they don't do everything you want , is obtuse at best. MTC has done some very positive things, and it's all volunteer. People have tried to hijack it's good works in the past, and you can expect a reaction from all of us when some does so in the future. No one person represents this group, but if I had to pick a spokesperson, Mrs Park would fit the bill. I find extremely rich, after reading many post from this group, that any of us would feel justified in questioning the manners of someone else. Maybe we should all be a little more civil,fewer insults, more complete facts, real numbers. The footings aren't being poured next week. The building has not been approved, and I've already heard it's ugly. On second thought, let the petty insults fly. You'll feel better, and no one's listening anyway.

None 2 years, 8 months ago

Joe yelling on a blog is typing all CAPS! Your sarcasm, pugnacious and belligerence solidifies your postion while speaking as the Secretary of the Moore County Republican Party. Speaking recently with a well known Republican eloquently stated,"if only people would vote with their brain as opposed to straigh-lever political dogma, we would be better off as a Nation". To qualify your R.I.N.O. contention ~ I vote for the person I think will represent our interests. Not along party lines...you can quote me on that as well. That's the reason I don't support former Democrates like Larry Caddell who fence-railed so he could get the Pinehurst vote.

Now for MooreNorth as opposed to NorthMoore this time:) If Dee Parks and the TEA Party Activists will show up Tuesday night and request that TPo3 send the OBAMA STIMULUS MONEY BACK TO WASHINGTION AS LISTED BELOW, I say another word about her being hyprocritical or the whole group with the "walking dead" as their leader of choice. Heres the numbers: MOORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION S386A090033 Department of Education Grants $39,436.00 S 2MOORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION S394A090034 Department of Education Grants $3,165,640.00 S 3 MOORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION S389A090033 Department of Education Grants $1,562,917.00 S 4 MOORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 5NC340327 Department of Agriculture Grants $26,650.85 S 5 MOORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION H391A090092 Department of Education Grants $2,598,197.00 S 6 MOORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION S387A090034 Department of Education Grants $18,266.00 S 7 MOORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION H392A090096 Department of Education Grants $102,228.00 S 8 MOORE, COUNTY OF 2009-SB-B9-2307 Department of Justice Grants $43,430.00 $43,430.00 P 9 MOORE, COUNTY OF 95421209 Environmental Protection Agency Grants $3,000,000.00 S 10 MOORE, COUNTY OF NC-86-X001 Department of Transportation Grants $149,550.00 S 11 Town of Carthage 2009-SU-B9-0054 Department of Justice Grants $11,200.00 S 12Town of Carthage 2009-SU-B9-0054 Department of Justice Grants $11,200.00 S

None 2 years, 8 months ago

"you can expect a reaction from all of us when some does so in the future. No one person represents this group, but if I had to pick a spokesperson, Mrs Park would fit the bill."

Park is a hypocrite to say the least! When anyone posts thoughtless ramblings on YouTube chastising Kay Hagan or anyone else for being 20 minutes late is not my vision for a "leader". What Park didn't mention was that Hagan was meeting war veterans of Bush's wars at Fort Bragg.

TEA party ACTIVISTS are so caught up with tearing this country apart that they have become socialists themselves.

And by the way - 8 MOORE, COUNTY OF 2009-SB-B9-2307 Department of Justice Grants $43,430.00 for Southern Software, Inc.

Moore County Sheriff's Department Software already paid Southern Software, Inc.

The county has already paid the 43 G's and TPo3 wants "federal tax stimulus money" to restock the coffers. Hypocrites!

Look at the County Balance Sheet if you want facts!

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