Jim Pendergraph Tricked Into Vice-Chair Role? 2011 Charlotte Mayor's Race Dirty Politics

Jim Pendergraph or Harold Cogdell For Charlotte's Next Mayor?

Why not?

Both Men have proven to be Excellent Leaders with the ability to work across Party lines with ease.

Both Men are well-versed & well-known in North Carolina's Political circles.

For example unlike Charlotte's Current Partisan Mayor Anthony Foxx, Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Commissioner Harold Cogdell (graduate of N.C. A & T University, N.C. Central Law School) a Successful Charlotte Attorney & Staunch Democrat, recently demonstrated how serious he was about working in an Bi-partisan political environment versus a Partisan environment.

When selecting new Leadership for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, Mr. Cogdell absolutely refused to support anyone for Vice-Chair other than newly elected Commissioner Jim Pendergraph, a Republican.

In fact Mr. Cogdell was even willing to challenge his extremely Partisan Board Member Jennifer Roberts for the Chairperson slot to help ensure Mr. Pendergraph be selected as Vice-Chair.

Cogdell's logic for such a well-orchestrated Political scheme?

He states he was "Damn Tired Of Partisan Politics!"

However he still cast a vote allowing Jennifer Roberts Queen of "Partisan Politics" to remain in her previous role as Chairperson.

As for the Sincerity of Mr. Cogdell's decision-making prior to & after the board's vote God only knows, nevertheless it was a Brilliant move....to help keep Jim Pendergraph from Running as Charlotte's next Mayor in 2011 that is.

Since I wouldn't actually mind seeing Jim Pendergraph elected as Charlotte's new Mayor, I can't say I fully endorse Mr. Codgell's actions, however one HAS to give him credit for having the Chutzpah to stand up against Charlotte-Mecklenburg's Queen of "Partian Politics" herself, Jennifer Roberts!


Now as for Jim Pendergraph's qualifications who can forget his previous stint in local Public Office as Sheriff of Charlotte-Mecklenburg?

A Role well deserved in which he functioned for 13 years!

In fact Mr. Pendergraph was an Excellent Sheriff who cultivated & developed an Extremely Diverse Staff.

Diverse in Race and Gender, especially as it relates to Advancement & Promotion.

Mr. Pendergraph a graduate of the Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, resigned from his role as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Sheriff to accept a job offer with former POTUS George W. Bush's Administration as Executive Director of State and Local Coordination for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a division of Homeland Security.


Either Harold Cogdell & Jim Pendergraph would be an Excellent replacement for Anthony Foxx, who appears to be nothing more than a Puppet for President Barack Obama & the Obama Administration Agenda, with NO Original Leadership Ideas of his own!


How did I arrive at the conclusion that Mr. Cogdell may have participated in a Political Scheme to "trick" Jim Pendergraph into accepting the role of County Commissioner Vice-Chair as a means of keeping him out of the upcoming 2011 Charlotte Mayoral Race?

Because former Mayor Pat McCrory mentioned Jim Pendergraph as a possible candidate for Charlotte's next Mayor on a recent segment of WCNC's "Flashpoint" webcast.




Don't Hate The Messenger!

For those of you who don't know me I'm an Opinionated Native New Yorker, Proud Political Junkie with an God-given eye for picking Winners & a Keen nose for rooting out Political Corruption.

I'm also closely Blood-related to a Charlotte Politician currently serving in Public Office.

In other words I know Politics like I know my own name. Politics is in My DNA.

No Boasting just speaking facts.

Because of my God-given Political Perspective & frequently Spot-on Insight, many Local & National Political Figures have Retaliated against Me & My Family.

Terrible, Hurtful Retaliation!

Many have even tried to Stop me & Shut me up.

Did it work?

NO!

Why?

I was Created to be deeply involved in the Political Process in some form or another.

Except NOT the role of simply visiting Exit Polls during Election time like "Obedient" Sheep being led to a Slaughterhouse!

Yes I Vote during each Primary & Election but that is NOT the main purpose of my existence, that is as it relates to all things Political.

If you despise me or what I do, tell God!

By the way there is Only one. God Almighty!

Last time I checked he still runs the show.

Thus the reason why I Still Exist!


So let's revisit 6 reasons Why & How former Charlotte Mayoral Candidate John Lassiter lost to current Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx?


1.) Foxx hired David Axelrod's Political Consulting Firm and ran an Effective Grassroots Campaign.

2.) Lassiter hired an Ineffective Campaign Manager who refused to listen to Conventional Wisdom as it relates to Politics.

3.) North Carolina Democrats' Dirty Politics.

4.) Straight Ticket Voting by Black Democrats who reside in West Charlotte.

Ironically for all their Loyalty to the Mecklenburg County & North Carolina Democratic Party, Charlotte's Black Voters who reside in West Charlotte have received Very Little in return for their Voter Investment.

Just take a ride on over to Beatties Ford (James Mitchell's District) and check out how Horrible the place looks!

Its nothing more than a Southern Harlem in a Bad way.

The Old Harlem that is.

Not the New Harlem where Property Values have recently Skyrocketed due to Mayor Bloomberg Investments to Revitalize that area of New York City.


5.) Exit Poll Precinct Captains in Charlotte's Black Communities (mainly West Charlotte) turning Ballots into the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections after Midnight.

6.) John Lassiter underestimated Anthony Foxx's ability to use Dirty Politics in the race. Lassiter & his Ineffective Campaign Manager naively thought Foxx would "Never" do such a thing.


Come on!

It was a Political race & Foxx sought David Axelrod's Chicago-style Political advice!

What did they think Anthony Foxx was going to do to win?

Bake Cookies & hand them out to Charlotte's Voters?


Lassiter also allowed his Ineffective Campaign Manager & Anthony Foxx to trick him into foolishly campaigning together.

OMG! How Crazy is that?

Nothing wrong with Political Candidates Debating together to express their views on Voter related issues, however Candidates Should NOT campaign together!

After all there can Only be One Winner!

This slick Chicago Politics Strategy allowed Anthony Foxx who was actually the Weaker, Less Experienced candidate, to lean upon & pull from the Strengths of John Lassiter.

Foxx became more Confident, giving him the edge with Voters than.... he suddenly Slammed Lassiter with the hard hammer of Dirty Politics!

(By the way did I fail to mention that Anthony Foxx hired David Axelrod's Political Consulting Firm to help him win?)


Poor Lassiter didn't even see his Political career being destroyed because his Ineffective Campaign Manager who refused to listen to Conventional Wisdom, totally Ignored all signs of reality & the possibility of Lassiter losing to a Weaker, less Experienced Candidate.

Foxx painted Lassiter as a Cold, Greedy Politician who panders to Developers when in reality its actually Foxx who's the Cold, Greedy Politician pandering low to Developers with deep pockets.

These factors literally cost Lassiter the election & are the ONLY reasons why Anthony Foxx currently reigns as Charlotte Mayor versus the more Qualified, more Experienced John Lassiter.

I voted for John Lassiter & was very disappointed he didn't win.

However I have to admit that Lassiter ONLY lost because he & his Ineffective Campaign Manager basically handed the Mayor's seat to Foxx on a Silver Platter!

Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory would NEVER have made it that easy for his Political Opponent to win.

Back in 2008 McCrory's former Gubernatorial Opponent Bev Perdue ONLY beat McCrory because she rode President Barack Obama's coattails, North Carolina Democratic Party Dirty Politics & possibly Voter Fraud.

That's It!


So you see the 2009 Charlotte Mayoral Race wasn't about Racial Relations or Racism, as the Charlotte Observer wanted everyone to believe

Nor was it about Income or Social Status Levels. (Class Wars)

Instead it was All about Dirty Politics via the N.C. Democratic Party & Charlotte Observer, Black Straight Ticket Voters From West Charlotte & Democratic Party Precinct Captains (Black Communities).


Now as it relates to Charlotte's upcoming 2011 Mayoral Election I have No idea who will challenge current Mayor Anthony Foxx .

However everyone within Foxx's inner circle knows he's going to throw his hat in the ring again.

You see Foxx like his Political Mentor Barack Obama, loves being in the Limelight too much NOT to Run again!

Its also Financially beneficial for Foxx to remain on the Political Center Stage.

Why do you think Anthony Foxx has constantly been pushing that City-County Merger idea all year?

Its NOT about Saving Public Schools, "curbing Government Spending or Eliminating the Duplication of City-County Services".

(Did I fail to mention that AFTER Anthony Foxx became Mayor of Charlotte his Children started Attending Private School just like his Political Mentor President Barack Obama?)






Please!!

Its about Power!

Once some people have tasted Power they are afraid to let it go. i.e., Anthony Foxx & Jennifer Roberts.


Mayor Foxx pretends to be concerned about Constituent issues such as Public Safety when he's really ONLY concerned about his Narcisstic Self!



Don't forget Anthony Foxx is the guy who wasted Millions of Dollars in a Recession on an Unnecessary Streetcar slated to Only run 1.5 miles!




Foxx also sat on $3 Million in Stimulus Money originally allocated for Homelessness Prevention, during one of Charlotte's Coldest Winters ever (last year).



And it looks as if he's going to stick it to Charlotte's Homeless Population again this Winter.




All for the sake of Arrogance & Political Fame just like D.C.'s former Mayor Adrian Fenty. (Another one of Foxx's Political Mentors)

Last I heard Adrian Fenty was NOT re-elected!


As I was saying now Mayor Foxx is pushing HIS City-County Merger proposal so that he & his fellow Partisan Counterpart Jennifer Roberts can remain in Power FOREVER!

Or at least until one of them decides to run for a State or Congressional seat.

How do they do plan to carry out their little Partisan scheme?

If the City-County Merger proposal is ever realized, both Foxx & Roberts will put up a vote for longer Term Limits to avoid ever been run out of Office.

Since there are currently more Democrats serving on both the Charlotte City Council & Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, the Vote will more than likely Pass!

Now do you understand why I'm so vehemently opposed to Straight Ticket Voting & Gerrymandering??


Here's a list of Possible Candidates for the 2011 Charlotte Mayoral Race:

(A Bi-Partisan Council is Strongly recommended with a Republican Mayor.)


Edwin Peacock: current At-Large Charlotte City Council Member. (Republican)

Tariq Bokhari: Wells Fargo Vice-President of Wachovia Securities. (Republican)

Andy Dulin: current Charlotte City Council Member, District 6. (Republican)

Warren Cooksey: current Charlotte City Council Member, District 7 (Republican)

Nancy Carter: current Charlotte City Council Member, District 5 (Democrat)

Jason Burgess: Son of the Late Susan Burgess (Charlotte City Council's former Mayor Pro tem) & current At-Large Charlotte City Council Member. (Democrat)

Patrick Cannon: current Charlotte City Council Member Mayor Pro Tem (Democrat)

Jim Pendergraph: current Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Vice-Chair. (Republican)

Harold Cogdell: current Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioner Member. (Democrat)


Hopefully this time may the BEST, Most Qualified, Most Experienced Candidate actually Win without the use of Dirty Politics & what appears to North Carolina Democratic Party Voter Fraud Tricks via Precinct Captains in Charlotte's Black Communities!

I Can't tell you whom to vote for.

Those type of decisions must be made after spending much time in Prayer & researching each Candidate's Background and where they stand on Voter-Related issues.

Please Don't cast ballots for Candidates based upon such Superficial attributes as Political Party, Race, Education or Social Status.

Review their Public Service & Voting Records.

If necessary Double Check their Public Service records, Voting Records & Civic Duty Records.

DON'T just listen to what they say or get excited over a Polished, possibly embellished Resume.

Observe their Body Language. Watch how they treat Voters on the Campaign trail.

And Pray!!

For example Anthony Foxx loves to raise Taxes to create Revenue.

He Claims he doesn't yet while serving as a regular Charlotte City Council Member he voted for a 9% local Tax Increase.

On the other hand Jim Pendergraph, knows how to Successfully & Efficiently Manage a Large Organization without raising Taxes as a means of creating more Revenue.


As a reminder the purpose of this post is NOT to Politically Smear Mayor Anthony Foxx!

To the Contrary.

Its simply written to help Educate Charlotte Voters on the inner workings of Political Campaigns & the game of Dirty Politics.

I do NOT endorse/favor the use of Dirty Politics but to ignore or pretend that it exists is Foolish & Naive.

Politics always has & will forever be a Dirty Game.

Only the STRONG Survive!

Have a Merry Christmas & a Blessed New Year full of Abundance, Favor, Forgiveness, Love, Peace, Prosperity and Wisdom!

See you at the Polls in 2011.

Psalm 5:12, Psalm 91, Psalm 127:3, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 54:13, Isaiah 54:17, Luke 1:37, I Corinthians 13:13 & Revelations 12:11






Jennifer Roberts Remains Charlotte-Mecklenburg Co. Board Of County Commissioners Chair In Surprise Vote; Pendergraph Still Vice-Chair


Jennifer Roberts was unanimously re-elected as Mecklenburg County commissioners' chairman on Monday, overcoming a surprising effort to oust her from the position.

And in an unusual split in the leadership roles, Republican Jim Pendergraph was elected as Vice-Chairman of the county board.

The votes - which occurred during a swearing-in ceremony for the new nine-member board - came hours after Democrat Harold Cogdell told some commissioners that he thought he had enough votes to become chair instead of Roberts. Some said he struck a deal with the four GOP commissioners that would have also made Pendergraph the vice chair.

The apparent deal raised eyebrows because - with few exceptions - the chairmanship of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners has been held by the member of the majority party who received the most votes in the at-large race.

Roberts finished first in November's election, followed by Pendergraph and Cogdell.

On Monday, however, Republican Karen Bentley nominated Cogdell as chair.

Democrat George Dunlap was critical of the nomination and the reported deal between Cogdell and Republicans. At one point he said he would only vote for Cogdell as chair if he "denounced the Democrat party... and declare that he is a Republican."

But Cogdell said there was no deal-making and took himself out of the race. He then said he'd be willing to support Roberts as chair and Pendergraph for the number two leadership role.

Cogdell said the issue had never been about him being chair, and suggested he was only trying to send a message about how partisanship can hurt decision-making.

"Everything comes down to Partisan Politics," he said. "I'm sick and damned tired of Partisan Politics because what has happened is people aren't communicating anymore... No party has a monopoly on good decisions."

The discussion Monday night was at times heated and often confusing. At one point it was unclear if commissioners could continue debating on the chairmanship.

"And you wonder why I don't want to be chair," Cogdell said, drawing laughter.

Replied fellow Democrat Vilma Leake: "We don't want you, either."

Roberts, who earlier voiced concerns that board members had not approached her about any issues they had with her leadership, later thanked her colleagues for selecting her as chair.

"There is no one more surprised than I at this moment," Roberts said.

She also told Cogdell that if he had a point he wanted to make in the future, to give her a call.

Monday's swearing-in formally kicked off what will undoubtedly be another challenging year for the county.

Mecklenburg, as well as many other local governments, is still struggling with lingering effects from a recession that led to layoffs of county workers and deep cuts to services like schools and libraries.

Some have said it could be years before the county's tax revenues return to the levels of a few years ago. On top of that, the county in 2011 is resetting property values for the first time since 2003, with many homeowners worried about the impact on their tax bills.

Many commissioners said Monday that the board generally reaches bipartisan - and often unanimous - consensus on issues. But the board split along party lines this summer in approving the 2010-11 budget, and next year's budget also could be divisive.

During this year's elections, many Republican candidates said they wanted to find more ways to cut spending while setting a "revenue neutral" tax rate, where the county collects the same amount of money through property taxes as this year - even if tax valuations change.

But Democrats were leery of committing to any budget decisions, saying it could be months before the county gets numbers on property tax values and sales taxes.

On Monday, all commissioners forecast tough decisions for the board. Republican Neil Cooksey said the county had gotten rid of a lot of "low-hanging fruit" in the past two budgets, and said he'd like to do a department-by-department look at expenses.

Another issue looming in the next year will be how to redraw local election districts once the results of the 2010 Census come in.




Roberts "Mysteriously" Re-elected Commission Chair, Pendergraph Named Vice-Chair


Jennifer Roberts was unanimously elected chairman of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners tonight, overcoming an effort to nominate fellow Democrat Harold Cogdell to the post.

Also tonight, Republican Jim Pendergraph was elected vice chairman of the county board. This is Pendergraph's first term as commissioner.

Roberts admitted her re-election tonight came as a surprise, because Cogdell was believed to be making a run for the top leadership role on the board. Some commissioners said Cogdell had agreed to support Pendergraph as vice chair if the board's four Republicans backed him as chair. But Cogdell said tonight there was no deal made.

Cogdell was nominated for chair tonight by Republican Karen Bentley, but asked that his name be withdrawn.

Republican Neil Cooksey then nominated Roberts as chair, Pendergraph as vice chair.




Cogdell To Colleagues: "I Have Votes To Unseat Roberts"


Hours before tonight's vote on who will lead Mecklenburg County commissioners, commissioner Harold Cogdell Jr. has told two colleagues that he appears to have the votes to unseat chairman - and fellow Democrat - Jennifer Roberts.

"He has decided that he's going to seek the chairmanship ... and he thinks he has the votes for it," Democratic commissioner Dumont Clarke told the Observer.

Cogdell, who previously served as commissioners' vice chair, could not be reached.

On a board that will have five Democrats and four Republicans, Cogdell has apparently been trying to line up the GOP votes in a deal that would make Republican Jim Pendergraph vice chair.

Commissioner George Dunlap said Cogdell told him today he would vote for Pendergraph if the board Republicans back Cogdell as chair.

Pendergraph said today he expects Cogdell to win.

"I'm probably going to vote for Harold," he said. "We're all smart enough we can add to five. No one's going to challenge someone unless they feel they can win. And I'd be surprised if he doesn't."

Roberts said this afternoon she still hadn't heard from Cogdell, despite having left several messages.

"It's all up to Harold," she said when asked about her chances of re-election.

Roberts, the leading vote-getter in last month's election, is trying to win a third term as chair. It was unclear today how the votes will fall.

Democrat Vilma Leake, who said she was "still praying" over the decision, said she's "going to do what's right."

On her Facebook page, Roberts has said she hoped Cogdell would not give in to "a personal power play."

In a Sunday post, she added: "I have been re-reading Julius Caesar to remind myself that ambition is as old as mankind. I will continue to stay strong no matter what happens, and to know that there is a higher power than any of this earthly stuff."





Jennifer Roberts, Part Of The Problem


I think I’m done cutting Roberts any slack on this DSS mess. For her to obstruct and slam the attempts of other commissioners to find out what is going on with county’s massive, $200m. DSS operation is too much.

And for Roberts to suggest that a closed session airing of DSS’s dirty laundry is not her preferred way to go is an insult to the intelligence of all Mecklenburg County taxpayers.

The only reason Commissioner Bill James and the other GOPers are suggesting the closed session route is in response the “disclosure” stonewall County Manager Harry Jones has erected around the investigation — a construction effort aided and abetted by Jennifer Roberts. Fine. Let’s hear DSS chief Mary Wilson answer questions in open session. Super. Next.

It will also be interesting to see if Commissioner George Dunlap’s confirmation that a federal grand jury probe is underway of DSS shakes anything new loose. Why it took a full month for the probe’s existence to be reported remains a mystery, but at least everyone in town has caught up to the story.

However, it would be wrong to assume that the probe will result in any indictments, both as a matter of fairness and institutional inertia. Prosecutors are political animals and will require some slam-dunk, smoking gun type evidence of wrongdoing for them to move on a DSS devoid, until very recently, of adult supervision of its funds.

On the third hand, not all gross mismanagement rises to the level of criminality. This is why the county commission must itself reestablish public trust in one of its largest ongoing budget expenses. Jennifer Roberts needs to help that process or get out of the way.




Jennifer Roberts Warns Harold Cogdell Of "Implications" If He Tries To Take Her Seat

In a surprise move, Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Commissioner Harold Cogdell is apparently trying to unseat fellow Democrat Jennifer Roberts as board chair by striking a deal with Republicans.

The maneuvering carries implications beyond the chairman title. Roberts sent commissioners an e-mail this week asking them to avoid "back room" negotiations in which they would support board members for a leadership post in exchange for votes on budget spending priorities.

On Friday, Roberts said Cogdell has promised Republicans he would vote to make Republican Jim Pendergraph vice chair if they support his bid for chairman. Democrats hold a 5-4 majority on the panel.



"Harold Cogdell will come round to realize that now is not the time for a personal power play," Roberts said on her Facebook page. "It is not time to be divisive and to succumb to personal ambition and backroom deal making that does not serve those who elected us."

Cogdell declined comment. Pendergraph, Mecklenburg's former sheriff who won his seat in November, also refused to discuss the matter.

"We'll have to see how it plays out," Pendergraph said before declining further comment.

Commissioners will reorganize the board, electing a chair and vice chair, during a meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St.

The commission chair, typically the most visible leader of the majority party, will help set Mecklenburg's agenda as the county confronts budget deficits and resets property values for the first time since 2003. The position pays $27,962, about $5,000 more than pay for other commissioners.

Cogdell's challenge represents a potential setback for Roberts, who has been board chair for four years. On Thursday, she said she had met recently with the board Democrats and all of them - including Cogdell - pledged to reappoint her. But Roberts said neither Cogdell nor board Republicans have returned phone calls.

She said if Cogdell wins, it would serve as a distraction to commissioners and erode trust with the public, since Roberts was the top vote-getter in the November general election. Cogdell finished third behind Pendergraph.

Historically, Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Commissioners have selected the candidate receiving the most votes as chair and the second-place finisher from the majority party as vice chair.

But a break with tradition is not unprecedented. In 1997, commissioner Hoyle Martin helped oust fellow Democrat Parks Helms as chairman and won the vice chair post for himself. Republican Tom Bush replaced Helms.

Four years ago, Helms said he wanted to serve as board chair, despite Roberts' winning the most votes in the at-large race. Roberts said she met twice with Helms before he withdrew from consideration.

An attorney and former Charlotte city councilman, Cogdell won his seat on the board of commissioners in 2008, and served as board vice chair, even though fellow Democrat Dan Murrey finished with more votes.

On Monday, Roberts sent an e-mail to commissioners saying she would vote for Cogdell to remain vice chair. "We trust and understand each other," Roberts wrote. She also said Pendergraph wants to claim the post.

Her e-mail also warned commissioners against secret deal-making.

"I understand there has been back room conversation about Vice Chair," Roberts wrote. "There may be promises being made but I would encourage everyone to remain flexible on any budget promises, as there is so much we do not know yet about our challenges ahead."

On Friday, Roberts said she was "disappointed" Cogdell would challenge her for the chair position.

"There will be implications he has not considered," she said. "I am hoping he will change his mind."


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Sources: Charmeck.org, Daily Kos, John Locke Foundation, McClatchy Newspapers, Meck Deck Blog, NCheroes.org, WCNC, Google Maps

Charlotte's Homeless Children Crisis Worsens; Anthony Foxx Lied!

Number Of Homeless Children In Charlotte Up From Last Year


The number of Homeless kids living in Charlotte has risen dramatically in just one year.

A Child's Place, a non-profit group, now estimate there are 4,453 Homeless children enrolled in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. That is up from about 3,200 last year.

The group's executive director, Annabelle Suddreth, says that number does not even take into account kids under 5-years –old.

"We estimate there are probably 1,600 more kids, which means over 6,000 kids who are homeless in our community," Suddreth said.

A Child's Place has put together some 300 bags of food for homeless families this Thanksgiving.

A young mother of three kids, who we will not identify, stopped by to pick up one of those bags. She says the holidays are always tough.

"It makes you think about better times, when things were more stable."

Being homeless and being a child takes a toll says Suddreth.

"They are four times more likely to be sick. They are twice as likely to be hungry. They are falling two to three grade levels behind in school," she explains.

Suddreth says coping with the growing number of homeless children should be everyone's issue.

"Homeless children in our community is not just the government's challenge and it is not just the school system's challenge. It's a community challenge,” Suddreth explains.

The group can't help everyone, but that young mother of three is grateful for the help her family is getting.

"Having A Child's Place helps me, gives me hope that things will be back to normal," she says.






Anthony Foxx, Charlotte Observer Lied About Helping Homeless


Last year while campaigning to become Charlotte's new Mayor, Anthony Foxx promised he and his new City Council (majority Democrats) would focus on eliminating Charlotte's Homeless population by providing Affordable Housing, etc.,

His cheerleader on this issue was the Charlotte Observer newspaper (community nickname: "Charlotte Disturber"), which constantly harped on and on about how former Mayor Pat McCrory didn't do enough to help Charlotte's Homeless citizens.

Well.....

Now that Anthony Foxx is officially Charlotte's new Mayor HE doesn't seem to be doing anything to help Charlotte's Homeless Families and Children either.

In fact the City of Charlotte is currently sitting on about $3M Stimulus Funding allocated for Homelessness Prevention.

Here our nation is facing one of the COLDEST Winters in History and Mayor Anthony Foxx is doing NOTHING to help keep Charlotte's Homeless Citizens, including Children warm.

This is a shame and a disgrace before God!

Mayor Foxx, Charlotte City Council Members, how do you all sleep at night knowing there are thousands of Men, Women and Children braving the elements while you sleep under warm blankets in heated residences?

Are you saving that $3M to give to Unemployed Bankers for No Interest, Small Business Loans instead of using it to help provide more Winter Shelters?

Actually those Loans would be more like Monopoly money for Business Experiments and Tax Credits versus real Small Businesses to spur regional Job Growth.

Now do you understand why I didn't vote for Anthony Foxx?

Yes I am a Democrat but I smelled manure before the horse was even in sight.

In other words I don't vote along Party lines just because the candidate is Black.

North Carolina already has its fill of Partisan, Do Nothing Politicians and I chose not to continue that pattern of ignorance.

Now that he's in sitting in the Mayor's seat, Anthony Foxx appears ONLY to have run to satisfy personal ambitions and fatten his pockets.

Not for Charlotteans, just himself. How Selfish!

I want America to know that when it comes to helping Less Fortunate, Homeless Citizens, Charlotte Leaders HAVE NO HEART!

As I mentioned in earlier posts don't just listen to Mayor Foxx's words, watch his actions.

Actions always speak louder than words.


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Sources: WCNC, Youtube, Google Maps

Charlotte CATS Receives $28M Federal Funds For What?? More Gov't Waste!

CHARLOTTE CATS SYSTEM RECEIVES TWO ADDITIONAL FEDERAL GRANTS


Charlotte, N.C., November 3, 2010 -

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) just received two additional federal grants that will help save money and protect the environment.

“We are constantly seeking grants and other revenue sources to leverage the investment Mecklenburg County citizens make to Public Transit through the dedicated sales tax,” said Carolyn Flowers, CATS CEO. “These two grants will assist us in reducing operational expenses.” CATS has been awarded over $28.5 million this year in state and Federal Grants.

Click here to learn how this money is being put to use to improve your transit system.

The Bus Canopy Solar PVS/Charging Project is part of the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER II) program. The $1.0 million award will be used at the CATS South Tryon Bus Facility which includes nine bus canopies in the middle of the lot that provide shade for the vehicles and allow the buses to cool quicker when going into service.

These canopies will be the site of 2,268 solar PV panels which could generate up to 50.5 megawatt hours of power each month and approximately 12 percent of the annual electric use at this facility.

CATS also received $421,580 for the Clean Fuels Bus and Bus Facilities Program. This grant award will be used to purchase more efficient and light weight Special Transportation Service (STS) vehicles as identified as part of CATS’ 2007-2012 Countywide Transit Services Plan.

CATS will replace five older, less efficient STS vehicles in the fleet with five new vehicles that emit 56 percent less carbon dioxide, get more miles per gallon, only require preventative maintenance every 10,000 miles and have an increased lifespan up to 7 years and 200,000 miles.

To learn more about CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.




Charlotte City Council Narrowly Approves Federal Streetcar Money


The Charlotte City Council narrowly agreed Monday night to take $25 million in federal money to begin the first 1.5 miles of its planned streetcar route.

The 6-5 council vote came after more than three hours of passionate debate from residents and the council. It also survived a last-minute effort to defer the issue until a later meeting.

Supporters said the streetcar would spur development along its eventual 10 miles and would provide another transportation option.

But opponents argued the city can't afford the project now, and that the streetcar would eat up money that could be used on other community needs.

Voting in favor of accepting the federal grant were Democrats Jason Burgess, Patrick Cannon, Nancy Carter, David Howard, Patsy Kinsey and James Mitchell.

Voting no were Republicans Warren Cooksey, Andy Dulin and Edwin Peacock, plus Democrats Michael Barnes and Warren Turner.

The first $37 million, 1.5-mile segment would run from Time Warner Cable Arena in uptown to Presbyterian Hospital in the Elizabeth area, with six stops or stations along the way. Construction will start within 18 months, and the city wants to have the streetcar up and running by 2014.

In addition to the federal money, the city will spend $12 million from three of its capital funds for the streetcar.

But that only covers construction. The first leg is also expected to carry a $1.5 million annual operating bill.

The Charlotte Area Transit System has said it can't cover the tab, pushing the costs to the city. Officials there haven't said how they would pay for the operating costs, only that the money would likely come from the city's general fund.

The lack of operating money fueled some of Monday's opposition to the streetcar. Many speakers said the community has more pressing needs, including crime-fighting and schools.

"Just because ... you vote against accepting that grant, it doesn't mean you don't believe in mass transportation," said Tariq Bokhari. "It just might mean that this expenditure doesn't make sense with our current priorities."

But other speakers said investing in the streetcar will pave the way for more development in the future, particularly in east and west Charlotte.

The city has proposed building a 10-mile streetcar line from the Rosa Parks Transit Center on Beatties Ford Road near Interstate 85 to Eastland Mall, via Trade Street uptown.

Malcolm Graham, a special assistant to the president of Johnson C. Smith University and a state senator, urged the council to "not make a decision for today, but to make a decision for tomorrow."

"Invest in our community the same way many on council who sat in those chairs before invested in our community," he said.

Comments from council largely mirrored that of citizens who packed the chamber.

Many council members who voted against the grant money lamented that the city had not identified a way to pay for the operating costs.

They also worried that moving ahead with the streetcar meant the city was pushing aside previously announced plans to extend the Lynx light rail line to the University City area, as well as commuter rail to the northern Mecklenburg towns.

Other council members argued they weren't sidestepping those projects but were taking advantage of federal money that's become available.

Under the Bush administration, federal transit money wasn't available for streetcars. That changed under the Obama administration, and earlier this month, Charlotte was among the cities awarded $130 million in streetcar grants.

Leaders have said they plan to keep looking for more money to help pay for the rest of the project, though they said they likely would only be able to build 2- or 3-mile segments at a time.

The entire 10-mile stretch could cost about $500 million.


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Sources: McClatchy Newspapers, WCNC, Wikipedia, Google Maps

Atlanta Awarded $47M For Streetcar Project: Badly Needed But Not In Charlotte!

Rep. Lewis: U.S. DOT Will Fund Atlanta Streetcar Project


Sixty-one years after the last Streetcars rolled in Atlanta, they're coming back.

In a coup for the city, the U.S. Department of Transportation has agreed to grant Atlanta$47 million for its proposed $72 million downtown east-west Streetcar project, according to U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Atlanta and Mayor Kasim Reed.

Lewis' office said he got confirmation of the award in a conversation with DOT Secretary Ray LaHood on Friday morning.

With the grant, which the Obama administration has not confirmed, the competing visions of American transportation held by the Obama and Bush administrations are playing out in stark contrast in metro Atlanta.

President George W. Bush's Transportation Department focused on roads and traffic. It used grant money to push electronic tolling as a key answer to intractable U.S. traffic congestion, and one of those seed projects is being installed on I-85 in Gwinnett County.

In contrast, the Obama administration, while continuing to fund road projects, has tried to make a mark in passenger rail. It has broadened the focus of transportation funding requirements toward sustainability and economic development, hoping mass transit projects will re-shape cities into denser development in a longer-term attack on congestion.

Each hoped their seed project would spur development of a metrowide network.

The Atlanta streetcar project will run between tourist stops from the Martin Luther King Jr. center on the east and Centennial Olympic Park, with its access to CNN Center and the Georgia Aquarium, on the west. But that doesn't mean it's just a tourism project, said A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress, a downtown self-taxing business group that will help fund the project. It's a transportation project important to local travelers, too, he said.

"It’s all of those. It is definitely economic development for sure," Robinson said, adding it will also serve employment centers downtown and Georgia State University students and staff, and link to current and future mass transit stops like MARTA and the Beltline.

Luz Borrero, the city's deputy chief operating officer, echoed those comments, adding that it would serve Grady Memorial Hospital and Peachtree Center, which is both an office complex and MARTA station.

Local residents had mixed reaction. Some along the project corridor were ecstatic.

On Auburn Avenue, Wellington Howard said he foresaw the federal approval. "I heard the (streetcar) bell this morning in my dreams," said Howard, who has owned Georgia Insurance Brokers for more than 40 years. “It will help the neighborhood on its upclimb.”

Some responding to the news on ajc.com and by Twitter called it frivolous, misguided and a waste of money. Kay Matthews of Chamblee said it was "ridiculous" to fund the streetcar while MARTA had just cut more than 10 percent of its service.

The grants come from a $600 million pool called TIGER II designed to upgrade transportation networks and create jobs. Georgia has several other applications in the ring, including road and mass transit work. The state has asked for $50 million for a $129 million project to build the Jimmy DeLoach Parkway serving the coastal ports area. It also asked for $37.5 million to serve as an interest payment toward $375 million federally assisted loan for the $1 billion project to add optional toll lanes along I-75 and I-575. Douglas County applied for $12.3 million for a $16 million extension of Lee Road.

On the mass transit side, the state asked for $1 million in planning grants for a downtown Atlanta passenger terminal.

A spokeswoman for the Georgia DOT said the state had not heard anything about the grants.

For those who read tea leaves, there was a good omen for the city of Macon. Macon and Georgians for Passenger Rail applied for about $1.9 million to help plan a commuter rail line between Atlanta and Macon, said Gordon Kenna, CEO of the passenger rail group. On Friday, LaHood is expected to address a mass transit conference there. A spokeswoman for the U.S. DOT said the winner announcements would come next week.

Macon is in the district of U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall, a Democrat who is in a difficult re-election battle.

Federal, state and local officials are planning a press conference on Wednesday in Atlanta to formally announce the streetcar funding and give the latest details about the project, according to Lewis.

The grant rewards years of work by Atlanta officials to bring streetcars back, revive mass transit, and, they hope, provide an economic development engine to a downtown area that faltered with the rise of highways and suburban commutes.

Reed and former Mayor Shirley Franklin seemed to stake their claims to credit.

"What we changed is, I followed the plan to Washington," Reed said. “I don’t want to say the squeaky wheel gets the grease, but the squeaky wheel gets grease." Franklin congratulated him and others in an e-mail she titled "EUREKA!" -- and noted that he "picked up the baton."

Reed said the project would transform downtown. His office has estimated the project would create 5,200 jobs over 20 years and would not only help ease downtown traffic problems but also help the city compete for more tourism and convention business.

“I see this as a marriage,” said Reed, who withdrew the Beltline's application for the grant program in order to focus on one project. “Because without something to pour into, where does the Beltline go? It’s a little choo-choo train going around and around and around. So there has to be something that brings it into the heart of the city.”

In the early 20th century, Atlantans owned fewer cars, with many instead getting around on a sprawling network of streetcars. Although the network's heart resided in a tangle of routes on Peachtree Street, this project does not include a significant Peachtree Street leg.

Without the Peachtree leg, it is far more modest than the $298 million application that failed in February.

The $47 million award for the streetcar project is less than the $56 million Atlanta applied for in August. Making the project finance work will depend on the city council's approval of an extra $5.6 million toward the project, Borrero said, beyond the $10 million the city already pledged. In addition, $2.8 million will be shifted within the city budget to streetcar-related projects. Borrero said that the shifted money was originally budgeted for transportation-related projects within the same corridor, so no area would lose out on project money.

Robinson's group, the downtown self-taxing business district, will contribute $6 million toward the capital costs of the project, and will help fund the $1.7 million annual operating costs. Passenger fares from an estimated 2,600 weekday ridership and advertising revenues would also contribute to operations.

Borrero said the city pared its request in recent days in talks with federal officials. She said the city council, which approved funds for the original application, had not yet considered the request for additional money.

"We did not know what degree of success this proposed approach would have, but we knew that if we were successful as we have been that we would have an opportunity to demonstrate to the members of the the city council that leveraging a $45 million investment against a smaller increase in our local match would be definitely a worthwhile and absolutely outstanding opportunity," Borrero said.

City Council President Ceasar Mitchell said he was not sure what funding source the council would approve, but it was important to try to find the extra money.

City officials have been pursuing the funding for the streetcar line for months. Lewis, along with Reed, met with and had conference calls with DOT Secretary LaHood as recently as a few days ago.

How a Streetcar rolls:

- In the same lane with cars.

- Stops at stoplights.

- Has its own stops.

- Probably has one electric line overhead.




Is Now The Time To Launch A Streetcar In Charlotte, NC?


In Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the viewer must grapple with reoccurring themes of fantasy and reality, as seen by Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski. Much of Blanche’s life is posturing to cover up reality. At one point she exclaims, “I don’t want realism, I want magic.” Like Blanche Dubois, our mayor, through his Democratic majority on council, is hoping to perform a magic trick on the voters.

In 2007 voters reaffirmed their support for the use of a half-cent sales tax to support and expand our bus and rail network. Citizens also affirmed their support of a regional body, the Metropolitan Transit Commission. The objective of the MTC is to promote a regional vision and a regional approach to transit.

On Nov. 15, 2006, the MTC adopted a 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan that ranked its priorities: complete the light rail to UNC Charlotte; build a commuter line to north Mecklenburg and then begin on the streetcar.

Soon after, a stark reality became known to the MTC and council: the sales tax revenue stream would not be able to support building and running the desired streetcar under the original timeline.

This was recently reaffirmed to The Observer by Carolyn Flowers, CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System.

The City Council commissioned a consultant to study the potential economic impact of the Streetcar. That April 2009 report showed that the economic impact to east and west Charlotte would be less than a third of what we’ve seen in the south corridor. The consultant delivered the most important dose of reality: The only way to pay for a streetcar would be through federal grants and additional City of Charlotte tax revenue.

The second part of this drama began with the prospect of an Obama presidency. Rumors of a federal Urban Circulator Grant gave Charlotte hopes it might be eligible for a streetcar grant. With this teaser opportunity, the majority on council pushed ahead without addressing the revenue dilemma. Then, on the night before the Charlotte city primary, Democrats by one vote overrode an appropriate veto by then-Mayor Pat McCrory to fund engineering studies for $4.5 million. Again, the fantasy continued, despite fiscal reality.

This leads to the next act: Charlotte has received a $25 million grant to build a $37 million, 1.5-mile segment, a corridor now serving 950 riders on two bus routes. Not exactly the area that needs the most help or has the best potential for new jobs and economic development. The vast majority of land along this leg is owned by the government or Central Piedmont Community College. Rather than using a streetcar that looks like cars on the light rail line, we’ll recycle our novelty trolley cars. The $12 million construction gap will be funded in part with a “reserves for economic development initiatives fund.” Translation: DEBT.

The approximate $1.5 million operating costs would come from the general fund. Clearly, this would use money we could spend on other priorities such as public safety and roads.

Like the voters of Charlotte, council members Warren Cooksey, Andy Dulin, and I support expanding mass transit, which includes the streetcar. However, we must do so within our half-cent sales tax revenue stream. We do not believe we should break our promise to the voters and leapfrog the MTC’s priorities. Doing so not only loses the voters’ trust but jeopardizes Charlotte’s ability to address core responsibilities. Further, a city-initiated streetcar risks creating a project that could compete with CATS for future federal funding.

We must continue to fight for our fair share of federal and state dollars to help us complete our regional transit system. However, we must do so with one regional voice.

The more reality sinks in, the more the voters will realize no magic is going to make the streetcar appear.

It’s time for an intermission, before this potentially tragic play squelches our city’s successes in mass transit . At the citizens’ forum at Monday’s City Council meeting, ask Mayor Anthony Foxx and your Democratic council members to reject this grant.



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Sources: Atlanta Journal Constitution, Charmeck.org, McClatchy Newspapers, The Meck Deck, U.S. Dept Of Transportation, WCNC, Google Maps

Charlotte vs Atlanta & New York City: No Comparison!

Charlotte vs Atlanta & New York City.

Is this a Fair comparison?

Since I hail from NYC, I may be a little biased.

However after reading my post on the subject, I'll let you be the judge and reach your own conclusion.

After recently vacationing on Long Island, NY (Suffolk county) I returned to Charlotte, NC my current place of residence.

My roots are in Brooklyn (my usual stomping ground) but this time I decided to spend my money elsewhere. Thus Long Island was selected as this year's pick.

If you've never visited Long Island I encourage you to get there right away and see what the fuss is all about.

Its especially beautiful and scenic this time of year.

Clean, quiet, somewhat diverse, an abundance of healthy trees, friendly residents, great (although expensive) public transportation including trains (not subways) that run all night, low crime, plenty of businesses, great schools, etc.,

And....it looks like Charlotte, NC! (sort of)

So what's the real difference between Charlotte, NC and New York City?

Or should I say Atlanta, Charlotte and New York City?

Well for starters there's actually something fun & interesting to do in Atlanta & New York City but basically nothing much to do in Charlotte.

What little Entertainment Charlotte provides pales in comparison to Atlanta & NYC.

This includes Charlotte's basically Segregated, tired Museums.

Museums for Charlotte's White citizens:

Mint, Bechtler.

And....

Museums for Charlotte's Black citizens:

The Harvey Gantt African-American Museum and some "Collard Green" Exhibit something or other.

Charlotte also lacks the Creativity and Urban Planning necessary for this "diamond in the rough" to step into the 21st Century.

In other words refusing to move forward yet expecting results similar to that of cities like Atlanta, Long Island and New York, NY is ludicrous!

Come on Charlotte where's your Zoo??

Atlanta has an Aquarium and New York City has a Real Zoo!

Can we also get a REAL Botanical Gardens?

Where's Charlotte's Aquarium, Botanical Gardens or Zoo?? Come on and get with it!

Isn't it time to catch up to the 21st Century?

How do Charlotte City leaders think they will be able to attract new families and encourage Tourists to stay when there's absolutely NOTHING here to do??

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".

Albert Einstein

Now here's another important factor.

Everywhere my husband and I ventured while on Long Island, the residents (mostly Caucasian population) welcomed us with open arms and were very kind.

These Northeastern, Wealthy White people treated us (two Blacks) with "Southern Hospitality" so often NOT seen in Charlotte, NC.

In Charlotte such demonstrations of "Southern Hospitality" and warmness are usually only reserved for White residents or White visitors but NOT Black citizens!

Black citizens visiting Charlotte are often treated indifferently even by other Blacks, unless of course those Black visitors are attending BIG money making events such as the CIAA Basketball tournament (a sports event which attracts Black tourists).

Is it any wonder as to why Bob Johnson blasted Charlotte for being "Small-Minded", "Incestuous" and "Racist" on his way out?

Charlotte's landscape while lovely like Long Island's, can't hide the ugly Racial Discrimination eating away at Charlotte's potential to become a World Class city.

Charlotte (nicknamed the "Queen City") should be equal if not more further along than Atlanta.

What's stopping Charlotte from realizing her true potential?

Extreme, Ugly Racism and...Small-Minded Black "Leaders" afraid of helping other Black citizens achieve levels of success equal to that of White citizens.

Deep rooted Racism derived from Charlotte's close alliance with the Klu Klux Klan organization.

Black Leaders stuck in time by accepting and allowing a Willie Lynch Mentality to paralyze them from rescuing Charlotte's Minority community.

Rescuing Charlotte's Minority community from Failure and Obscurity.

For example: Charlotte has a Light Rail system.

(only North Carolina city with a Light Rail system)

This Light Rail system primarily serves which local citizens?

Charlotte's Wealthier, White residents.

Now Charlotte Leaders wish to develop a Streetcar line.

Which communities and citizens will this Streetcar serve?

You betcha!

Charlotte's Wealthier citizens, White communities.

The cleaner, more modern city buses service which communities (on time)?

Charlotte's Wealthier, White communities.

Better Paying jobs, mainly Managerial positions, are reserved for which citizens?

Charlotte's Wealthier, White citizens.

Local public schools with More Experienced Teachers and Plenty of Resources are filled with type of students?

Charlotte's Wealthier, White students.

The region's best city & county services (trash collection, low water rates, low heating bills, faster Internet speed, low Cable bill rates, etc.,) are reserved for which communities?

Charlotte's Wealthier, White communities.

Better priced stores (Clothing, Grocery, Retail) with an abundance of Nice Businesses are found in which communities?

Charlotte's Wealthier, White communities.

Bike Trails, Free Wi-Fi, best Museums, Nature Trails, Nice Libraries, Nice Parks, Public Swimming Pools, etc., are reserved for which communities?

Charlotte's Wealthier, White communities.

While Crime in Charlotte's Black communities skyrockets, Excellent Public Safety efforts and Effective Neighborhood Partnerships with the region's Police dept. are reserved for which communities?

Charlotte's Wealthier, White communities.

Fair Business Opportunities and Fair Property Taxes are reserved for which citizens?

Charlotte's Wealthier, White residents.

Last but certainly not least, which local communities will probably NEVER see Affordable Housing units constructed within its perimeters?

That's right!

Charlotte's Wealthier, White communities.

On the other hand Progressive cities like Atlanta, Long Island and New York, NY are reaching out to Equally help ALL of their citizens regardless of Ethnicity and Socio-Economic status.

Now I know you would like to rationalize Charlotte's Indifference and Mistreatment of Minority residents by perhaps attributing it to Charlotte's Wealthier, White residents paying higher Property Taxes right?

WRONG!

Charlotte's Wealthier, White residents do NOT pay extra or more for their city/ county services.

In fact many of them pay far less than Charlotte's Minority residents.

How so?

Charlotte's Wealthier, White citizens are allowed to Legally NOT pay their Property Taxes without being penalized or thrown in jail.

Charlotte's Wealthier, White citizens also haven't experienced a Property Tax increase in 7 years, while Charlotte's Minority residents have received a Property Tax increase each year.

I could continue on on but I believe you comprehend what I'm conveying here.

However just in case you didn't get it, Charlotte's Progress is hindered by Extreme Racism.

What a shame!

Isn't it time for this kind of Regional Ignorance to be eliminated forever?

Doesn't Charlotte, NC have a Black Mayor you ask? (Anthony Foxx)

Yes but Mayor Foxx is just a Token with NO teeth.

He wanted the job more or less for personal gain versus wanting to do what's in Charlotte's Best Interest.

If Charlotte doesn't stop such foolishness it will NEVER rise to Atlanta and New York's fame of being World Class cities.

By the way using precious dollars to establish "Collard Green" Museums is NOT going to fix Charlotte's terrible Race Relations & Lack of Creativity issues.

After reading this post please don't tell me to move!

Instead why not channel some of that energy into improving Charlotte-Mecklenburg's status in comparison to other REAL World Class cities?

In the meantime carry on Atlanta, Long Island & New York with your bad selves! And I do mean good!


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Sources: Brainy Quote, Charmeck.org, McClatchy Newspapers, WCNC, Wikipedia, Google Maps