Jail Jousting
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Is it a $27 million boondoggle? Or is it a long-overdue essential facility?
Depending on your sympathies and point of view, the detention -center/public safety complex may be either one.
Opponents and supporters were -vociferous in expressing themselves Monday night when the Moore County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing. Including a special 15-minute presentation by a key critic, the hearing itself and awarding of the contract, the subject claimed almost two and a half hours of the board meeting.
Opponents tossed out such language as "false pretenses," "bogus appraisals," "smell test" and "Mafia."
It was the first public hearing held on the subject and came too late to satisfy critics, for later in the same meeting the commissioners voted - again 3-2 - to award the $27.2 million contract to low bidder D.H. Griffin Construction of Raleigh.
One supporter's main point was validated by the number of bidders for the contract. Thirteen companies submitted bids, the highest topping $29 million.
"The new jail will create jobs," said George W. Little, chairman of the Sandhills Community College board of trustees. "Maybe the contractor and subcontractors will buy locally. This project is a win-win for Moore County. Let's get on with it."
Little also defended the board majority's decision to pay for the building with limited obligation bonds rather than general obligation bonds, which require a referendum.
"I know something about bond issues. You don't want to do a bond issue (referendum) for a jail," said Little, who has managed a series of successful county education bond vote campaigns.
Opponents did not fall short when it came to expressing negative opinions about everything associated with the project.
However, most opponents did not argue against the need for larger jail facilities. Instead, they argued that the building should be erected in another location, a place farther from the center of Carthage, the county seat.
They said the building will be too large for the town's historic downtown, that it is too close to a school athletic field, two churches and the public library, and that it will pose a security risk to children and others gathering in the area.
"I hate this idea. I hate this location. Why did you decide to put such a monstrous thing in the middle of town?" said Elizabeth Brower, who lives on McNeill Street in Carthage.
Libby Moodie, another Carthage resident, called it "irresponsible" to build such a large jail near a school, the library and two churches.
"It will also ruin the charm of a historic town," Moodie said.
Pinehurst resident Ralph Redmond said it's the location, not the jail itself, that most people oppose.
Some of the most moving comments came from Capt. Eddie Johnson, the sheriff's deputy who superintends the jail.
Johnson, speaking on behalf of himself and his 57 employees, begged the commissioners to build a facility that will be safe and more comfortable for his staff.
The original jail, built in 1969 and expanded in 1995, has a number of "blind spots" that make it difficult and potentially dangerous for jailers, he said.
The air-conditioning system is -miserably inadequate, he said, adding that the staff must use fans to keep the temperature down to the 83-degree level required by state law.
"I beg of you," Johnson said. "We've waited long enough. Give my employees a nice safe and secure place to work."
The chief jailer said modern technology in the new jail will enable the staff to keep an eye on all inmates at all times.
Detention Officer Daniel Samuelson called the new facility an investment toward present and future needs, including expansion. The existing 110-bed jail is now often overcrowded, and the staff must provide pallets for inmates to sleep on floors.
"Trust me. We will need it," Samuelson said of the plan designed to allow for future expansion.
Samuelson said that even during summer months, it could be possible to fill up all of the 192 beds proposed for the new facility.
"It's not something we need in the future. It's something we need now," Samuelson said. He noted that his mother and a nephew still live on Carthage's McNeill Street.
'False Pretenses'
John Marcum, leader of the opposing group known as Right2Vote, said he was amazed that the county had not reached a solution about issues concerning the cost of the building and the method of financing. He referred to such things as decisions made under "false pretenses" and to "bogus appraisals" of the property bought for the buildings.
A fellow critic from Pinehurst, Doug Middaugh, questioned the cost of the Moore County project in comparison with similar buildings recently erected in other counties, such as Sampson and Harnett.
Middaugh went a step further and challenged the county plans to use a portion of the bonds to finance utility capital improvements in Pinehurst.
"I feel that this board has an obligation to all Moore County utility (MCU) customers to explain the certain user rate increase that will occur with the $9.2 million added to the MCU rate base for the planned Pinehurst improvements," Middaugh said. "Further, justification should also be provided to the MCU users for the anticipated $1.1 million increased bond interest expense MCU will incur through your mandated limited obligation bond financing for these improvements."
Middaugh said the board, to his knowledge, had not addressed the increased operational and maintenance expenses to be incurred with the opening of the new detention center.
Greg Zywocinski, of Southern Pines, added his support for "my friend John Marcum." He said the entire project "has not passed the smell test" and said the 3-2 votes on issues relating to land purchase, location, design and financing go "beyond outrage."
'Still Haggling'
The project, including cost, location and design, had strong support from several political heavyweights, including three former county commissioners.
Colin McKenzie, of Pinehurst, a former chairman of the board, said he was in on the earliest planning for the jail expansion and said the plans had been thoroughly discussed and aired for a number of years. He was chairman when the board made the decision to buy the 21-acre tract as the site for the jail expansion and other buildings.
"We established a committee of experts to assist and join the sheriff's staff along with other county staff to solve the problem," McKenzie said. "Each commissioner was asked to submit people to serve on this committee."
McKenzie said the committee included such professionals as architects and law-enforcement officials, all "well respected." He recalled that the downtown tract was regarded as the best location because its proximity to the courts facility would reduce cost and ensure safety in transporting prisoners from jail to courtroom.
"That was more than three years ago, and we are still haggling with a small group who want to move the jail and court system away from its present location," McKenzie said. "A few days ago, a friend told me to beware of zealots. They are always around any controversy and will do everything in their power to prevent progress and get recognition. These folks were here three or four years ago."
'Right Thing to Do'
Like McKenzie, Gen. Manila (Bud) Shaver, of Seven Lakes, wanted to know what would happen if the matter were put to a vote and the voters turned down the bond issue, despite the need for an expanded jail.
"I'm speaking on behalf of the law-enforcement officers, judicial officials and others who have been forced to work in substandard quarters. Our county commissioners have a duty to resolve these problems," Shaver said.
Former Commissioners Archie Kelly and David Cummings added their support for improved facilities.
"It is needed," Kelly said. "It's the right thing to do."
Kelly said he agreed with George Little that the community also needs the jobs the project will bring.
"What we're after is safety for the citizens," said Cummings, a former board chairman. "Do the right thing for Moore County."
Cummings expressed admiration for Sheriff Lane Carter and his officers, who "risk their lives every day for our safety."
Carthage Mayor Tom Stewart rebutted accusations that his town board was unaware of plans for a detention center when the town approved a zoning change at the county's request.
"We have followed this for many months," the mayor said. "We think what you have planned is what you should do, and we support it."
Carthage Town Commissioner Jean Riley, who is mayor pro tempore, added her support.
"I think it's just great. Thank you for all you plan," Riley said.
Mary Jo Morris, a Pinehurst resident, said she has followed the county's debates and discussions of the property and the proposed building projects. She urged the county commissioners to continue their effort to build the new jail.
"I know you are men and women of integrity," Morris said.
John Owen, a Pinehurst resident and former Republican Party chairman, said the county is fortunate to have the commissioners serving the county at this time. He now chairs the Airport Authority.
"I urge the board to move forward post haste," Owen said. "Let's build a jail."
Contact Florence Gilkeson at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.
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Comments
plumblevel 2 years, 7 months ago
Poor Florence must be so sick of this story and yet still manages to do a fair and unbiased job of reporting. I looked over at Florence during the Public Hearing and noticed she did not stop taking notes for two and half hours!!!! Her fingers must be stubs by now. I wish she could pass her unbiased approach to the story on to whoever writes the Opinion Editorial. Where is Caddells desk located at the Pilot? Does it attach to Woronoff's office?
Bflat 2 years, 7 months ago
We have a DC only 15 yrs old that built in 1995 that is supposedly paid for recently and already there is complaint by Mr Johnson of inadequate cooling as well as "blind spots." Why isn't this facility properly maintained? Where was the long range plan for the DC prior to its construction? Next, we have a courthouse built in the 1970s that has become cramped with no room to expand. Where was the master plan for long range needs at that time? There was protest onbuilding the courthouse at that location for that reason. Parking is already inadequate for court as well as visitors to the DC. More & more of these people are in town that have to go to court as well as others that must serve on jury, attorneys, law enforcement and so on. The situation will only get worse.
Land was purchased at a grossly inflated price, and all the intended buildings will not fit upon due to about 6 acres of the 21 is in protected wetlands. Why was this land purchased without feasibility before closing on it? There was other suitable land at much lesser cost available which would have allowed for future expansion as well as plenty of parking.
Placing this huge monstrosity DC in downtown Carthage that can expand from 192 beds to around 600 federal sized beds is just wrong. It will destroy the historic town. It is too close to the school, library, churches and other places where children and families gather. The public was not informed of what this was going to be until right before the last election when there was little time to get the word out. Recently the voting by 3 commissioners to fund the construction costs came to light that it was a limited liability bond, requiring no vote from the taxpayers/voters. Costs are much higher for these than general liability.
Those labeled as "Anti Jail," by those supporting the DC, are not actually opposed to the DC being built but they just don't want it at the proposed location on the Grimm property.
There are currently rumors that certain property will be obtained by eminent domain...the bailbond house and Williams house and that the current DC will be torn down to make way for a courthouse. There goes more money being spent and buildings just paid for being torn down. Is this going to be funded by yet another limited liability bond the taxpayers have not heard about?
There is a serious concern that Moore County is going to be "maxed out" to the tune of over $206,000, 000 debt for which taxpayers will be saddled with for a long time to come.
Moore County deserves better planning than what has been ongoing for years. The whole DC issue and what has led it to the proposed location amounts to "interminable incompetence." The three commissioners that want to forge ahead with their "bits and pieces" approach are not doing the taxpayers any favors.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 7 months ago
"jail jousting", sounds like a skit by Johnny Knoxville and Co.
silentbob 2 years, 7 months ago
Lets build it and stop talking about it. In response to a earlier post I would like for Toda to prove to me that 82% of North Carolinans voted for our current President, I don't believe that. Also I will be at the polls in November and make sure a RINO does not win an election in this county. I don't think there is a chance anyway but I will do all I can to make sure. The commisioners have done a fine upstanding job and their service to this county.
silentbob 2 years, 7 months ago
BTW Toda if you was only as smart and as informed as you claim to be. I am not JM. Why is it that you think that everyone that has a different opinion than you is either related to one of the commisioners or uninformed. I am neither. I am informed I just don't hide behind smoke and mirrors. I don't think the voting public in this county is as uninformed as you think. The Republicans are not going to back a RINO and the Democtats can't trust you because it is obvious that you will jump ship at the first convient oppurtunity. Toda a jack of all trades and a master of none. 60 total people at 2 meeting tells everyone that will waste their time listening that you support a very small minority not the maority so don't put a hole lot of time and effort into a victory in November you have about as much of a chance as a snowball does you know where.
plumblevel 2 years, 7 months ago
William Garner is running against Jimmy Melton on the ballot. Garner is on the Pinebluff Town Council and owns his own roofing company Creed and Garner. I heard D.H. Griffin Construction, a couple days after they got the job, asked Garner to bid on the Detention Center building. Strange the Griffin Co. called him at home like someone had given the construction company his home phone number. They did not call his office. You know what his response was, "I cannot bid on the Detention Center/Public Safety Complex because it would be a Conflict of Interest". WOW!!!! Something you would not hear from the lips of Caddell and Picerno. Looks like they just tried to buy him out of the game early on.
My guess is he will get a ton of support from all those disenchanted with the Power of Three and those looking for an honest candidate. Looks like he just passed the test with flying colors.
babiehop 2 years, 7 months ago
I believe it rather wishful thinking by Mr. Little to say "Maybe the contractor and subcontractors will buy locally." and would be interested to know if all of the contractor's and sub's employees are at least legals. Congrats to Ms. Gilkeson for so appropriately working "boondoggle" into a piece !
None 2 years, 7 months ago
SB you wouldn't understand it if I gave it to you on a silver platter. The only person I know who talks like you and writes like you is Jimmy Melton. http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/
With your limited education the numbers are way over your head. FYI: North Carolina is a Republican state - doooo yoooouuu understannnnnnd? If someone gave you a formula could you understand since English isn’t one of your stronger skills or talents? You can work out the mathematical formula - genius!
Are democrats now RINO's or is there another Liberal Republican running - didn't you say proudly that you are a Liberal Republican? Which qualifies your support of TPo3 who have shown by their examples as Liberal “Big Spending” Republicans. Just like you!
" I am informed I just don't hide behind smoke and mirrors." What are you talking about? Try just one time to be specific knowing you have no information or facts - you throw idioms out there like someone really cares, and with your writing inability, no one can understand what you are trying to say!
"[Democtats] can't trust you because it is obvious that you will jump ship at the first [convient ][opportunity]" and you are speaking on behalf you whom? More crap. Or are you talking about Caddell who jumped ship and Melton so they could garner the Republican vote? CHECK YOUR SPELLING.
"60 total people at 2 meeting [tells] everyone that will waste their time listening that you support" are you totally delusional? Where did you come up with that stupid comment? You don't attend meetings - right? Nor have you read any published meeting summaries? That’s apparent! Never discuss issues or discuss the blog topics. Piolt staff must be amused since you violate their terms every time you post. You haven't posted one thread that hasn't attacked me personally. Should I be afraid of blind keyboarding?
"small minority not the [majority] so don't put a [hole] lot of time and effort into a victory in November you have about as much of a chance as a snowball does you know where." English in elementary school wasn't one of your strong subjects - obviously. Do you have a dictionary by chance or can you recognize the mistakes in your rambling rants? Did I get on the ballot as a write-in or did I miss something here?
You are one certified nut case who can't carry-on a civil conversation or discussion.
None 2 years, 7 months ago
" I don't think there is a chance anyway but I will do all I can to make sure." and who are you making a blanketed statement that you have control over elections: You are not running unopposed Melton!
None 2 years, 7 months ago
One question for George Little. How many jobs were produced from the new Oncology building at First Health? NONE they brought their employees with them. More uniformed remarks by a politician who knows as much about building anything as Caddell and Picerno.
Have you seen construction trailers at major construction sites? Well - George - that's where they truck in their materials for constuction.
Great job George 88.2 million in bond debt for the upper social class in the school system. How much does your buddy receive at SCC? Where's the money for teachers and teachers aides in that 88.2 million?
Another case of the not-knowing leading the blind.
None 2 years, 7 months ago
CORRECTION: [Piolt staff] must be amused since you violate their terms every time you post. Should have read: The Pilot Staff....
None 2 years, 7 months ago
"I am informed I just don't hide behind smoke and mirrors" have no idea what you are talking about: smoke and mirrors. Could you just - one time in all of your rants - be specific about anything I've posted? No one has ever discussed "smoke and mirrors" on any blog or thread except you. Is there something in your demented mind that equates the issues taxpayers are having with poor planning and out-of-control spending, with a mirror and smoke? A very juvenile statement; without addressing the millions of taxpayers’ dollars being wasted on trial and error decisions, your comments represent both anonymity and a posture not conducive to intellectual discussion.
Nice avatar SB ~ do you really look like Melton or Kim Jung Il? You could be hiding somewhere since you haven’t come out to address issues important to everyone else in Moore County.
plumblevel 2 years, 7 months ago
"I know you are men and women of integrity" Mary Jo Morris said. Sure she was not talking about three of them. Two of the commissioners, Caddell and Picerno, have been asked three times to recuse themselves from voting and have refused. No one can believe they would be so arrogant as to refuse. Integrity? Spending the taxpayers money to build something three to four times larger than Moore County needs for their own financial interest. I do not think the word integrity applies here.
jon 2 years, 7 months ago
I also have been researching and following this issue. I have not interjected anything over all of this time as I educated myself about it from reading these articles to going to the Sept 20th Comnmissioner's Meeting in Carthage.
After listening to both sides, I have a question. What is the conflict of interest being talked about with two of the commissioners - Caddell and Picerno?
silentbob 2 years, 7 months ago
I am going to say this again old great one Toda. I am not JM and I will put my education up against yours any day of the week. There is know doubt that you know what I mean by smoke and mirrors you live by it. It means you throw up all these numbers and blogs in an attempt to make people think you are smart, it ain't working. Don't talk about what I look like I made the reference the other day about you and a popular kids program and I did that because in your picture you favor big bird. Stop acting like you are speaking for the majority of the voters in Moore County because you are not. The only concern you have for this county is yourself, period. I don't control the votes in Moore County but I know alot of people and I will work very hard to make sure you never hold any office in this county or any person that you support. I understand you though you want so bad for other people in the county to believe that you are as smart and important as you think you are. That will not happen so get over yourself. One final note you made the comment that 82% of North Carolinians voted for our current President, that is another fabrication by you. Get on the Democrat ticket that is where you belong, you talk about big spending the President you voted for has spent more money in the past year than any President in a long time. I support our commisioners and I will continue. Look for me at the polls in November I will be the one talking the most junk about you.
golfin69 2 years, 7 months ago
Just wondering does anyone know how much Southern Software will benefit from all of the software that will be installed in the new facility, The Sheriffs office currently uses Sheriffs Pak and maybe Mobile Pak and its my understanding that the county is getting ready to look at spending millions in communication changes in the next year or so...
None 2 years, 7 months ago
That's all you can do is talk junk ~ Silentbob. "That will not happen so get over yourself. One final note you made the comment that 82% of North Carolinians voted for our current President, that is another fabrication by you." You can't write, you can't read, you can do simple 6th grade math. (i.e. Posted by Toda on September 24, 2010 at 2:58 p.m) Obviously reading comprehension is difficult for you as well.
You can't contribute to any conversation, you can't discuss issues, and you hide behind anonymity. You have questionable educational credentials, it shows in your threads, and you have nothing better to do than to attack me. Should I have any concern about what you intend to do or not do? If you know a lot of people then why don't you come out from your hiding spot in the woods let the rest of us see your face. At least I have an avatar unlike your image of Kim Jung Il.
"you talk about big spending the President you voted for has spent more money in the past year than any President in a long time" you really should learn how to write before posting a thread that resembles something a child in grade school: "you talk about big spending THE PRESIDENT - Is anyone big spending the president?
"for has spent more money in the past year than any President in a long time" more jabberwocky? Who, what, when or where? The former president was George Walker Bush who spent 12 TRILLION on two wars.
Writing takes more talent and skill than turning a wrench on a motorcycle. Like I said, "you are the only ghost who writes like Melton speaks". You know as much about the issues as he does ~ even when Caddell and Picerno tell him when to raise his hand....
You claim to know the issues - so impress everyone with a little bit of your knowledge regarding blog topics. Your writing gives everyone a good laugh. Sesame Street – so childish! You know children make those remarks to other children on Facebook. But you wouldn’t know anything about that either since you are so intellectually challenged.
None 2 years, 7 months ago
Now back to intelligent conversation and personal points of view regarding the topic at hand.
golfin69 => Southern Software, Inc a company founded by Nick Picerno and later Larry Caddell both sitting commissioners, provide Law Enforcement Software to the Sheriff's department under the guise of a "donation"; when in fact they have received $43,000.00 to date for their "free" software. They have service contracts and charge for support services. Not only did they fail to recuse themselves from voting, the county also purchased Municipal Financial Software for utilities. All of Moore County water services are using SS, Inc applications.
Government agencies prepare and post bidding specifications for major purchases - except Moore County; Unethical, poor judgments, and definitely a conflict of interest.
What does SS, Inc. Have to gain with water utility infrastructure and the new Detention Center: Hardware and preloaded software applications that could be in the thousands. Why are TPo3 in such a hurry to start pushing dirt? Once they are voted out of office, it would cost thousands to replace the existing hardware and software applications. Remember they are businessmen first and foremost, and as long as they have the upper hand on taxpayers wallets, their projects will move ahead on their schedule and not ours.
Quickbooks Pro is a software application used nationally and internationally for small and large businesses with hundreds of accounting and bookkeeping applications. Why WBP wasn’t purchased and (could have) served a purpose for all departments in county government with file exchange capabilities? No cut for Southern Software of course!
None 2 years, 7 months ago
jon => I have posted a link to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office several times. Some may not have seen those threads, so here is the link: http://www.secretary.state.nc.us/corporations/Filings.aspx?PItemId=5028981
Anyone can go the NCSoSO and search registered corporation filings since they are public record. The link I provided is a direct link. Click on the PDF [view document filings] drill down to the last filed corporate document dated 6-15-09. You will see where up until the document was filed Nick Picerno was the CEO of Southern Software, Inc. Larry Caddell was his business partner. You can see where Picenos' name was lined through at time of filing and replaced with Caddell's name. Keep in mind where the conflict of interest raises its slithering head, is both Piceno and Caddell were sworn county commissioners supposedly representing the interests of the people and not exempting themselves from voting on matters of personal gain. A violation of North Carolina Ethics Law and I have provide links for that as well.
The water grants and infrastructure as well as new hardware for the detention center is in their interest since they sell their products to the county without a bidding process. I hope that sheds some light on their conflict of interests....
plumblevel 2 years, 7 months ago
golfin69
Caddell is 40% owner of Southern Software and CEO. Picerno founded the company, his son Joey works there, he is on the Board of Southern Software, and he owns the building. SS contracts law enforcement, criminal, and municipality software to Moore County. They currently contract with Moore County their Citi Pak, Sheriff's Pak, and Jail Management systems.
When there is even the slightest appearance of conflict of interest a public official should recuse themselves from voting. Caddell and Picerno have refused to recuse themselves from voting at the request of the public on three separate occasions. If they were honest and recused themselves from voting, Caddell and Picerno would not have a 3-2 hold on voting. It would then be 2-1 (Morgan and Lea v.s. Melton) the reuslts being they would not be able to pass the current 42 million dollar bond.So, blatant arrogance and refusal to recuse thenselves keeps the vote at 3-2.
Picerno at the budget hearing refused to list items line by line so the public could not hear specifically what the different amounts were for. Instead he said, "For the sake of time let us roll everything into one lump sum." Caddell, Melton, and Picerno agreed to roll everything into one lump sum thereby hiding the amount of Southern Software and Caddells's SCC budget. Lea and Morgan pushed for open disclosure and Melton, Picerno, and Caddell voted to move ahead for the sake of time. Lea then excused himself from the meeting for a few minutes. I think he needed to throw cold water on his face. The 3-2 strangle hold on Moore County has to stop.
babiehop 2 years, 7 months ago
@silentbob if by "There is know doubt that you know what I mean.." you mean to express that there is not any doubt, I think you mean, there is "no doubt" so if your post is an attempt to make people think you are smart, as you say, it ain't working.
silentbob 2 years, 7 months ago
babiehop: I am not trying to impress anyone. I normally have to write my responses in a hurry so it may not come out exactly like it should. I am just a working tax payer of this county that supports our county commisioners on this issue. I do appreciate the English lesson. Toda: The jail will be built in Carthage and it doesn't matter if you like it or not. I am not a professional blogger like you, I don't have hours a day to spend on here writing. So my writing may not be as professional looking as yours but my education is as legit as the one you have. If you really have one. Jon: Do some of your own research anything that Toda provides you is questionable at best. Toda and his minority have made all kinds of allegations against the county commisioners with no proof. They have called the NCBOE and everyone else they could and none of these agencies have found anything illegal or unethical since this whole thing started.
plumblevel 2 years, 7 months ago
Jon Sorry my post was directed at Jon not golfin69. The issue of confict of interest is a matter of public opinion. I would say they have lost. 'But seriously' blogged, "What does their business card say?" I think that says it all. These are elected officials, if there is an appearance of conflict of interest they should then recuse themselves from voting.
Golfino69 The amount SS will earn in the future is unknown. Under LGC law,once a town in Moore County reaches 15,000 then Caddell will no longer be able to contract. Now he can contract directly to Moore County as long as he stays under $40,000. One day when either Moore County has a town over 15,000 or he is no longer in office, the lid will blow off and guess what they will have all their software in place. No bidding.The true value is in free beta testing at the site and the Detention Center being near the home office.
None 2 years, 7 months ago
"They have called the NCBOE and everyone else they could and none of these agencies have found anything illegal or unethical since this whole thing started." Really - is that fact or a fabrication of your demented mind?
You have to be kidding or so uneducated that you cannot recognize a link to a state agency. Who called anywhere? I haven't! You are totally out of touch with reality.
"I am not a professional blogger like you,' what is a professional blogger ~ you're kidding again - right?
"So my writing may not be as professional looking as yours but my education is as legit as the one you have. If you really have one." compare the two writing styles. Anyone who takes time to post a thread on any blog should at least have some remote grasp of the English language! Obviously my writing style deserves some credibility since my sentences have form and structure, and yours has what? Improper sentence structure, run-on sentences, misuse of words, incorrect punctuation, wrong word usage, misspelled words, and a total absence of logical thought - based on any topic being discussed by intelligent bloggers. However, you do provide intertainment!
None 2 years, 7 months ago
CORRECTION: ' However, you do provide intertainment!" I should have written, " However, you do provide [e]ntertainment!" Silentbob
babiehop 2 years, 7 months ago
I'm not on here to school anyone, but nor am I on here to tout my level of education or lack thereof, which, by the way, is not always an accurate reflection of level of intelligence. Just ask Einstein or the Scarecrow. I absolutely agree that the mere appearance of conflict of interest only lends itsself to suspicion. I question the intelligence of anyone making the decision to purchase an overpriced, only partially usable piece of land. There's a reason there are jokes that start off "....and if you believe that, I have some swamp land in Florida I'd like to sell you."
babiehop 2 years, 7 months ago
I challenge the county to require D.H. Griffin Construction to prove that everyone working for them or under them is here (in the U.S.) legally and working here legally. Whatcha wanna bet it won't happen ?
None 2 years, 7 months ago
babiehop => I'm not a pedagogue either. I have attempted to ignore him but he is persistent. He contributes nothing to these blogs. Take a look at his comment history and you will quickly see where I am his target in every post. The Pilot continues to allow him to try to get everyone off topic with his juvenile rants. So now I have had enough of his jabberwocky and personal attacks. I will respond to his every post and point out what everyone else seems to accept.
Now to reply to one of your observations: "absolutely agree that the mere appearance of conflict of interest only lends itself to suspicion. I question the intelligence of anyone making the decision to purchase an overpriced, only partially usable piece of land."
Until the June 21st board meeting every taxpayer in Moore County was in the dark regarding cost; during that same meeting a item was placed on the agenda to sign a commitment for funding the 52.5 million dollar limited liability bond. Now we’re being told that the 1.5 million dollar “buddy deal” for the wasteland, has only 18 useable acres. All of TPo3's discussions surrounding Judge Webb's suggestion to tie-in the new courthouse with the New Detention Center are no longer a viable option.
Phase two plan is to purchase 4 more parcels of land by eminent domain. I just wonder if Caddell has any friends who own that property. That's where the New Courthouse will be built. Are you surprised? Just asking?
Until the blogosphere Lite-up with questions about parking, TPo3 didn't consider where all of those people coming to Carthage would park since there is no parking now except for county employees and sheriff's office staff. TPo3 paid Ware Bonsal several thousand for a plan for a parking deck...raze the library and the Currie Building since they are both paid out. The problem was the parking deck wouldn't fit the footprint and they trashed that scheme. Razing the library will become a reality since the “new courthouse” has been tagged by the Liberal Republican “big spenders” as the new library. When all of the facts come to light, those who now support the big spending efforts like George Little and John Owen will abandon ship like rats feeling a sinking ship. But Caddell and Picreno will have their hooks into taxpayers wallets…for decades to come.
The way Moore County Government is being manage by TPo3, would be a great lesson in any government class of what not to do while holding public office. Especially, if one has no idea what they are doing except personal gain.
None 2 years, 7 months ago
babiehop => no locals were hired by the GC at Firsthealth for the new oncology wing. If the Republicans throw it out there, everyone is suppose to accept it as a given fact!
None 2 years, 7 months ago
babiehop=> I'm requesting a copy of the contract....
silentbob 2 years, 7 months ago
Toda you make me laugh. Again I am just posting here so I can get English lessons from you. Lets see you was the manager of Dockside, until it closed. I also believe you said at one time you worked for DOC. In another blog you worked at the sheriff's office and you are also a general contractor. Like I said a jack of all trades and a master of none. I think you missed your calling you should have been an English teacher maybe you could have stuck with that for awhile. I have told you before my education is good but it has been a long time since I took an English class but if I keep writing on here you will give them to me for free. Toda what makes you so much better than the people we have now as county commisioners, "nothing" other than your overinflated ego. Toda be real whether you admit it or not you have called everyone you could think of from the Attorney General on down and nobody is listening to you. I can't wait to see the jail built in Carthage. Victory is sweet! babiehop: the land purchased was overpriced but the current commisoners cannot be blamed for that it was done before them.
babiehop 2 years, 7 months ago
I agree that the current commisoners cannot be blamed for the land purchase and I don't doubt their intelligence, they seem cunning enough. It is their integrity that is drawn into question by what I consider the lack of satisfactory answers to suspicions of conflict of interest. Let's see whether they'll at least ask if some of those taxpayer millions are being sent south of the border.
plumblevel 2 years, 7 months ago
SB The current commissioners Melton, Caddell, and Morgan voted to purchase the land. Morgan later said it was the biggest mistake she ever made. Lea voted against it and Picerno was not in office. So, you want to reelect Melton after he voted to spend 1.5 million for the Grimm land. Some people just never learn their lesson.
Get your facts straight SB and get on the subject matter rather than spending 100% of your time attacking Toda. It is getting boring.
The entrance/exit road of the Detention Center goes between the childrens school crossing and the steps leading up to the children's ball field and elementary school. You have a warped and distorted sense of Victory. Your support has only defeated children and endangered future childrens lives for many years to come. Congratulations.
babiehop 2 years, 7 months ago
plumblevel, thanks for enlightening me, I am not surprised by this information or by the call to WG's home. It just keeps getting curiouser and curiouser or deeper and deeper - take your pick. I'll know better next time not to accept for fact what is posted on here especially considering the source.
plumblevel 2 years, 7 months ago
babiehop
I also look forward to seeing the workforce and you can be sure it will not be from around here.Re: commissioners conflict of interest and "lack of answers". They do not even attempt to answer or communicate. They just breeze on by doing what they want and spending all the money they want. I say vote 'em out! Start with Melton.
SoPinesNo1 2 years, 7 months ago
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SoPinesNo1 2 years, 7 months ago
Does anyone know the last time a Democrat was voted in as a county commissioner in Moore County? Think about it and then calculate what chance Mr. Garner has in November.
None 2 years, 7 months ago
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plumblevel 2 years, 7 months ago
Okay guys enough with the "Jousting". Florence meant Jail Jousting not running at each other with with personal attack lances. So, So Pines 1, I will ignore your comment on my life. I have one thank you very much. Re: Garner his chances are great! He is running against Melton who: 1.) Voted for the purchase of the Grimm Land at 1.5 million 2.) Has not voted to raise county employee salaries in three years 3.) Voted in favor of a 52 million dollar bond (the initial amount) without a voter referendum 4.) Voted to build on the Grimm Property with 7 artesian wells and 6 acres of wetlands 5) Has NEVER cast a vote apart from Caddell and Picerno 6.) Has no plan for the Court House or Gov Complex Center 7.) Has never communicated with the public, held a town forum, answered public questions 8.) His vote on the 42 million dollar bond will cause property reevaluations and property tax increases big time 9.) Melton in only a YES man for Caddell and Picerno. I hope there is a debate! 10.) Voted in favor of building three times more than what we need at 2x to 3x the cost You bet a Democrat has a chance because I know so many Republicans and Independents that will jump party lines just to get a honest person elected. Enough of block voting!
None 2 years, 7 months ago
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silentbob 2 years, 7 months ago
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plumblevel 2 years, 7 months ago
SB
There seems to be some confusion. First there was the Stop the Detention Center in Downtown Carthage (this was not about stopping a new jail but about the location) founded by Bert Patrick. Then, when the 52.2 million dollar bond was announced a new group was formed led by John Marcum called Right2Vote. The stop the Detention Center in Downtown Carthage group then merged with Right2Vote. Both of these groups were non partisan. Right2Vote is made up of many voices all with one common agenda wanting the Right2Vote on the bond issue.
So, once again, I do not know why you choose to single Toda out from the Right2Vote group. I think Toda shoots from the hip and in the end is his own man with his own opinions.I don't think you can file him away with a group label.
John Marcum hosted the two Right2Vote Town Hall Meetings in Pinehurst and also filed an appeal with the LGC on the bond issue. Marcum was very outspoken about the debt of Moore County and that this 42 million bond would put Moore County at risk. Maybe you should spend some time studying the issues at hand rather than following your three commissioners with such blind faith.