Recent comments here have raised some key points and questions in the ongoing MI-Connection saga.
We can always look behind us and chastise our elected officials for their decision to purchase the system, despite the public outcry. But that’s a score that can be settled in the voting booth. Even then, we’re left with a cable system. As one commenter (Aug. 31 at 6:41 p.m.) very plainly stated it: “Let's suppose we vote everyone out? Great! Your mission will be accomplished. Then what? Anybody have a buyer just waiting to bail us out? If so, let's bring them forward and talk to MI-C or whomever. The fact of the matter is right now we are stuck with this system until we can sell it….”
Another comment (Aug. 30 at 8 p.m.) added: “Regardless of what anyone thinks of this deal and whether or not it should have been approved, the fact of the matter is, we own the system … What's done is done and you can use the election to voice any of your displeasure with the people who voted for the deal.”
That commenter goes on to rally folks to support MI-Connection, lest our taxes are raised to pay for the system.
While town officials from both Mooresville and Davidson are assuring us that raising taxes isn’t in their “plan,” they’re also pointing out that the success of the system depends on us, the residents and prospective MI-Connection customers. In a Sept. 1 DavidsonNews.net article, David Boraks quoted Davidson Mayor John Woods, saying: “To those negative voices in the world, I say the future is in your hands. Use the system and it will be successful.”
But some of you aren’t buying that. “So to be clear Mr. Mayor,” one person wrote (Sept. 1, 8:22 p.m.): “Whether or not you raise our taxes depends on if we ‘embrace’ the system. So our ‘embracing’ of the system is not unlike paying the mob protection money. Pay up, and no one gets hurt.”
I think it’s smart for us to be wary of Woods’ argument. Why? Because we’re also being told that for MI-Connection to be profitable, residential subscribers aren’t going to be enough – instead, the system must be upgraded to be able to serve more lucrative commercial accounts. Last year, we were told that $12.5 million would be sufficient for that. A year later, however, we’re being told that the $12.5 million was, oh, maybe $19 million short.
As one recent post (Aug. 31 at 1:22 p.m.) stated: “All the upgrades have been for RESIDENTS who didn't want this thing in the first place. Now they need BUSINESSES to MAYBE make it profitable. But oops they ran out of money before they made it possible to service the businesses.”
Added another post (Aug. 31 at 2:29 p.m.): “There is a misconception that we just need a little more business so this thing will break even. Wrong! Even if the top line were to double, MI-C would still lose money (just check out their budget and do the math). There aren't enough households in Mooresville and Davidson to make this thing profitable.”
So, which is it? Will the system be successful if, as Woods stated, we simply use it? Or are we actually being asked not only to subscribe to the system, but also to support another multi-million-dollar infusion into its capital budget (guaranteeing it with, yes, our tax dollars) to make MI-Connection profitable?
That’s the $19 million question raised by a comment at 7:47 a.m. this morning:
“I have been (supporting MI-Connection) and in case you haven't noticed, we have had our rates increased at least twice since they have taken over. How many more increases are there going to be? And if they still go under...how much more (are) we going to pay? Seems we will be paying two fold for supporting them when we didn't even want them.”
One problem is that we might not ever see the full picture. Town officials are scrambling to figure out ways to keep confidential information about MI-Connection that could be competitively damaging. But they have a dilemma, because in doing so, they would also be keeping from the public a lot of information about a system that we own. That’s a legal no-no. And as any honest government official in Mooresville (no jokes here, please - ha) would tell you with certainty, that hasn’t traditionally sat well with Mooresville citizens.
Is it a sticky predicament for the government? You bet. And we could all shake our fingers and say “we told you so.” But, again, we’ll still own the cable system.
I am not suggesting that our government will hear our suggestions or solutions. But an open, constructive debate has never hurt anyone.
Here are some questions that'll hopefully get one started:
Do you subscribe to MI-Connection? What do you think of the service and price? If you do not use MI-Connection, which service do you use? Did you switch to a different service provider after the towns purchased and launched MI-Connection? Why?
If you do not subscribe to MI-Connection, are you considering switching in an effort to financially support the system? Do you buy into the notion that residential support of MI-Connection will be enough to keep the system afloat or, better yet, make it profitable? Do you believe that, without extra money from the towns, MI-Connection will go belly-up?
For those of you who do not subscribe to MI-Connection out of principle (because you disagree with government involving itself in private business, or you disagree with the government controlling media): What’s worse – compromising your principles, or paying higher taxes for a system with which you never agreed?
Should we just call it quits with the system and sell it, even in a bad market? Would you support that option even if the system sold for half the price we paid for it, and then tax increases would have to make up the difference? Should we invest additional millions for capital improvements then sell the system? What are the risks, and do you consider them worth it?
Should we simply trust the government and throw our support behind the system? Or, do you have a hard time supporting a system with ever-changing projections that have already cost millions … and are “projected” to cost millions more?
One commenter (Aug. 31 at 11:06 a.m.) listed several stipulations that s/he would have before switching to MI-Connection. Among them: the Town of Davidson passes an ordinance “prohibiting it from ever again borrowing more than $2 million without a vote of the citizens.” Thoughts?
Do you believe we should seek investors for a public-private ownership arrangement of the cable system? What are the pros and cons?
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108 comments:
Sell it. Cut our losses. We are in a financial 'Viet Nam' and escalating investments don't seem to be producing results, just requests for more investment.
Step two - build a monument in a very public place of those elected officials that led us into this mess over public objection. Let it be a physical reminder to people of the mistakes made and the financial burden that will remain. It doesn't have to be a permanent monument. We can take it down once the debt is paid for.
Maybe we should get the CFK program started back up and use those funds to pay for the cable shortfall.
Trust this group of leaders? Are you serious? Did that actually come out of your mouth via your fingers? These are, for the most part, the same folks who screwed up the water treatment plant, have intentionally tried to spin Mi-C into a positive thing, are now getting ready to do a massive overhaul on a freakin golf course when we have 30+ kids in several classes at the HS, and the list can go on and on. Yes, 30+ kids in some classes in the HS and ToM wants to upgrade the golf course.
Should we simply trust them? Sell the stupid business and take the loss as is -- before we lose even more.
I have MI and have had no real issues with TV or internet. Decent channel line-up and fast internet speeds. The few times I have called tech support there was less than a 2 minute hold time.
Larry on a side note, you might want to address the 30+ kids in a class to the Board of Education. I am sure you are aware the Town has no control over the MGSD.
Yes, but the town certainly can pitch in funds to help reduce class size.
As for the cable stuff, just so we don't think we're the only folks duped. Here's an interesting brouchure from folks in Georgie:
http://www.gacable.com/images/GA_Municipal_Brochure.pdf
The arrogance makes me want to check out the Windstream internet+phone for $50 deal. If they can deliver the bandwidth they offer I'll make "MI-Connection" in to Your Connection!
I was in total opposition of the system purchase and publicly campainged for the rejection. As you will recall the two biggest proponents were the Mayor and Rader. Both are up for relection. "Nuff Said"
After it was purchased I did what most Americans do and acknowledged my defeat and got on board with Mi-Connection. I have been totally pleased with the quality of both signal and tech support, but not with the price increase. When I was in business during a recession, I lowered the prices with a tremendous marketing program to back it up. Revenues went up 20% !!!! It is not that complicated, show the people you appreciate their financial woes and that your are trying to help. You will be repaid in Spades.
Lastly, and the most troublesome, why haven't we heard anything from the Mayor? Isn't he our leader? Why do the commissioners take all the heat? Remember during the election............
Thank goodness this mess is now coming out before the election !!!!!!! I honestly thought that they had managed to sweep-it-under-the-rug until the election. Forget the audit !!! When I was in business, if I waited on an audit I would have lost 6 months to stop the bleeding. Move on with a master plan to save the company or cut your losses... Everyone please push for the release of the current P&L as is. If it is that incorrect than we have an even bigger problem than we think !!!!! If it is that incorrect, than we have The Fox Watching The Hen House !!!!!! By the way, isn't the Mayor and the Commissioners supposed to reviewing this monthly? How can you not review $100 Million Dollars of the citizens money monthly????
While we're at it, what the hell ever happened to "The Crone" scandal. Yes, the new Town Manager is another pawn for The Mayor and Frank Rader. Excuses one after another, not to let the residents know the details. Oh yes, election time again, and the morons who got us into this mess, two unopposed, and two that will weasel their way back in, will again be gloating in their beer. Sad ,Sad, Sad, but after all of this crap, if the residents put them back in, well this Town which has been flushed down the toilet, will deserve all the new crap they will get us into.
Well, I can see another tax hike in the works here. Hey, maybe we can piggy back this thing with the sewer and water bills. Is CH2Mhill and BVU tied together somehow? I think we need to look at who is voting for what the people in our town want, not what the commissioners want.
Hell, I can hardly afford my water bill, what with costs that increase every other month. How am I supposed to afford cable TV? The citizens of this Town deserve better.
Government should never be in private business, so it doesn't matter about the service. What matters is the town of Mooresville is responsible for 70% of the $92.5 million and any more that is requested. Taxpayers will be paying the bill and it is not right to have taxpayers pay for someone's cable, just like it is not right to subsidize people play golf. All this money spent on an unnecessary luxury could and should have been spent on the water treatment plant. That could have kept the water and sewages prices down. Now the taxpayer is on the hook for both. Government is suppose to be limited to the necessitaties of its citizens.
While I hardly ever agree with Vic I agree that our Town Manager is useless. I'm sorry about his illness but he should return to Ohio.
OK....it's been awfully quiet here lately....saw this little tidbit in the Mooresville paper....if you care about your town, show up next Tuesday night!
Mooresville Tribune
Published: October 12, 2009
Mooresville's six candidates for town government will appear in a public question-and-answer forum on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Sponsored by the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce, the event will be from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Charles Mack Citizen Center auditorium. Questions will be pre-selected from nonimations made by the public. Submit your questions to: info@mooresvillenc.org
Two of Mooresville's four town government seats are contested. For mayor, incumbent Bill Thunberg faces Chris Montgomery. in the At-Large commissioner race, incumbent Frank Rader faces Rhett Dusenbury. Dusenbury and Montgomery are seeking office for the first time.
Ward 3 Commissioner Mac Herring and Ward 4 Commissioner Chris Carney are unopposed in their re-election bids.
All six candidates have committed to attending the Oct. 20 forum.
Vic, what did you do with all that money you stole from the town?
how was the forum? I was stuck at home sick. I always wonder how much censoring the Trib does with questions whihc are submitted beforehand. Makes much more sense to all people to pose questions on the spot -- more of a chance to see folks in action
I thought the forum was interesting.
The incumbents all put the happy spin on MI Connection ("we're on the verge of great things") while the challengers all said MI Connection never should have been purchased.
The incumbents took credit for improvements to our parks...which I could've sworn the improvements were paid for by a bond referendum and that they really had nothing to do with it other than cutting a ribbon here and there.
Thunberg said on a couple of occasions that he is a "servant at heart" and he just wants to SERVE the people.....apparently he "serves" but doesn't always listen, for example, the cable vote.
I don't quite understand why Herring and Carney were up on the podium since they are unopposed. Maybe their jobs were to stand up for what ever Thunberg and Rader said.
To me, Rader came across as "he knows more than we do"...or at least thinks he does. Rhett Dusenbury came across as some one who wants to cut unnecessary spending and hear what the people are saying.
It will be interesting to see what happens. I could be wrong but the town may be slipping back in to Apathy-ville...time will tell.
Thanks for the update -- I'm hoping that all the signs around town indicate a lack of apathy -- but you're right, time will tell
I have yet to see a Rader sign....does our "all knowing" Commissioner at Large feel there's no need to advertise his name?
Even un-opposed Mac Herring has signs in my neighborhood.
Why was there no comment about the millions that are going to be spent on the golf course? Of course Smith and Roberts are telling everyone that it is a done deal. But reference about what the public wants
Rhett did bring up the golf course. Herring and Carney dismissed it as "not a done deal yet" but geez.....how does that even get on the agenda in a community with 11% unemployment.
My home was just robo-called by Thunberg. I love the fact that the "Do not call" list does not include politicians. Surely the good mayor did not use the town's system to spread his political agenda......surely he could show who he paid to interrupt my morning?
I've seen a couple of Rader signs around town, but not a lot.
wow with all the political activist we have in this town and the number of people who think they can serve the community better than our cuurent board we only have two people running for office. It is really easy to cast stones and the main group of throwers do not want to put themselves in a position where the stones are thrown at them. I do not always agree with Rhett but at least he is running for office and just not bashing the current board.
Carney and Herring just lyed the budget of the town has over ten million forcasted for next year - just get a copy and read the large numbers - they have forcasted a new club house, a new equipment building, and a complete tear down and change in the course - it will be closed for about a year at least - get a copy of the budget and see for yourself
political activism doesn't equate to political aspiration -- it equates to caring enough about the community to stand up when things go wrong -- it's our right to be active in politics, even if we have no desire to hold elected office
Apparently there is a faction in town that believes if you don't like the way things are run either run for office or shut up.
I'd have to quit my job to run for office and..well...my mortgage company doesn't like the idea.
However, I won't shut up until they officially change the name to the "Peoples Republic of Mooresville"....or at least stop sending me a property tax bill every year.
Wonder why the Tribune and the Town have been silent about two Library employees having an affair and being suspended.Guess Jamie and the Tribune do not care.
how on earth would having an affair and receiving punishment be newsworthy? seems like the library did the correct thing -- good for them -- go start your own blog and cover that story if it's so important to you
How many times are they going to let him get away with it?
don't know who you're talking about, and don't really care -- but it sounds like it's an issue for you, so why not raise your complaint at town hall
you must be one of them involved
checking on the blog for the first time in a while. Looks like Judith's been visiting again! Eat your heart out honey. tonight 2 more of your loser cronies got the boot just like your hubby did. Yee Haw!
still 2 more butt holes left to get
I'm just curious who the two are that we need to get rid of next.
By the way, I overheard somebody the other day that Bill Thunberg is the first sitting mayor to get ousted in over 40 years in Mooresville. Does anybody know if this is true?
I also heard that he outspent his opponent ten to one and still lost. Does anyone know how much he spent?
Oh yes Master of all that is good in Mooresville, please tell us who the other two we must get rid of are....as humble sheep we can't think for ourselves and we must have your counsel.
It has been at least 40 years. I started on the police department in 1966 and Dr. Boyce Brawley was the Mayor and he died in office around 1968-70 and Mayor Joe Knox took over.So who ever told you this is correct.
I do not know where they are now but before the City Hall was remodled, on the top floor they had all the previous Mayors pictures on the wall with their dates of service. Don't know if they re hung them or put them in storage. May call the town office and ask if you would like to see them.
Where all the reporting on this major election story. Nothing since Sept? Whats the deal gatton.
You can get the final tally on how much Thunberg spent up in the board of elections. He has to file that info pretty soon. You can bet he'll drag his feet on that. Judging from all the TV ads and the flyers and phone calls I received myself from him I'm thinking he blew at least thirty grand of whoever was fool enough to give him money.
I am so proud of the people of Mooresville for having voted for change. I read the comments by both of the incumbents in the newspaper today, and I was reminded once again of precisely why neither could ever be a true "public servant."
Larry Gregory -- is this Mac's quote you mentioned to me?
"Tend to "rubberstamp" the initiatives and agenda of the current mayor without debate or question, such as working against the Mooresville Public Schools (MGSD) and advocating for certain developments as Langtree & MagLand and MI-Connection. Ignoring processes for citizen input such as the advice of appointed citizen boards. Ignoring the concerns of the individual in as much as the concerns are out of line with the agenda of the few ... oligarchy"
sorry, forgot to include the link where I found it: http://www2.mooresvilletribune.com/content/2009/jul/01/mac-herring/
Mr. Mayor...You get to help pick the next Mayor Pro-Tem. Be sure and get someone that you can work with. Dusenbury or Adkins would be two great choices. You do NOT want Abraham because he is and was too close to the now past (thank goodness) mayor.
Abraham?! Did somebody say Abraham?! I'd almost forgotten. First we had the RATS (Rader/Abrama/Thunberg/Smith). Now we've wittled it down to ASS (Abraham/Smith/extra S for good measure). Can't let up now folks. 2 years will be here before you know it. Mac's a keeper, especially after the quote I just read above. Mile's a keeper. Houston - jury's out on. Abraham - verdict's in - he's out.
Before you think Mac's a keeper -- remember that he's admitting to failing to protect the public by going along with all that stuff. A keeper, to me, is someone who is wililng to stand on principle and go against the current despite the odds. Mac is not a keeper.
Well, you got a point there 4:47
Rick Howard gave Mr. Bill a lot of cash.
do tell -- Rick Howard of Langtree fame? Now there's a shocker!
I'm glad I checked my Gatton Report and saw that FRANK OWENS has reared his ugly little bald head again. Does this happen to be the SAME Frank Owens who just barely dodged a federal INDICTMENT a few years back for using the police department as his own little gambling house watchdog? The SAME Frank Owens who got his clock cleaned at the last election by no less than the ass known as FRANK RADER? Imagine that! People preferred FRANK RADER TO Frank Owens, and now he's become an expert on local politics? Frank, the ONLY thing you wanted was to get your slimy hands on tax dollars by getting on the ABC Board, and when your plan flopped you decided to have a hissy fit. You're a first class loser trying to throw your weight around. Let's see which fools fall for your antics and follow your butt right out the door.
Anyone read "Our View" in the Tribune this morning? Do those of you who are so critical even have any idea how well known and respected Bill Thunburg is across our state. He has spent many days during his office as an advocate not only for Mooresville, but also for our state and southeast region of the United States. He is a highly respected Mayor and one that we should all be proud to have served our town. He has represented Mooresville very well in a very positive and professional manner. His knowledge of local government in North Carolina is outstanding. High water bills an issue with you? Just check with the Local Government Commission and see who is on their "watch list" - you will not find Mooresville, but you will find many towns with leaders who were afraid to face the challenge of raising rates to keep their towns financially stable. Also, which by the way, the mayor did not vote to raise the water rates.Our commissioners did that and for good reasons. MI Connection - I have it and love it and happen to think the towns involved with their purchase did their research and we will all benefit from their wisdom. Also, please keep in mind that Mooresville is not the only progressive community to get involved with this type of service. Other forward thinking cities and towns also have gotten into this business so that they too can make sure their citizens have the best of technology available to them. I hope that our new mayor can do as the Tribune has suggested and follow the path of Mayor Thunburg in representing Mooresville in a very positive light. The Tribune reports that Montgomery says he "believes there are enough issues and challenges right here that require his full time attention" - I sure hope he does not think it all happens for Mooresville in Mooresville. I do hope that he made that statement without knowing just what real responsibilities are ahead for him. Any elected official owes it to the citizens they represent to always stay well informed about statwide issues as well as local concerns. He needs to participate in as many educational opportunities as possible and always be in Raleigh when needed to represent Mooresville when there are bills being considered in the General Assembly which could have an impact on our Mooresville citizens or our region of the state. I wish Chris Montgomery the best during his term of office, but I also hope he will be willing to learn the many roles of a Mayor and keep Mooresville a well respected town across our state. Mayor Thunburg served us well and I thank him for all of his time and efforts.
I'm sure Chris will do the same thing Mr. Thunberg did and learn about the intricacies as he moves along in his role as mayor. According to Mac Herring, the Board has been nothing more than a rubber stamp for the Mayor. Do I believe that in its entirety? No, but I'm also not naieve enough to believe that the Mayor didn't influence others in their vote for the water/sewer fiasco. It's about integrity, transparency, and leadership.
Let's not forget that the town's employed experts lost their jobs because they were willing to stand up and defend their position that Black & Veach was the better choice. Why did the Town go against their wishes? Go back and read the minutes. It certainly wasn't becuase the current company provided better services or had more experience -- it was simply because the company was represented by a former employee of the town. Where was the quality leadership, integrity, and transparency in Thunberg's service. Where was his guidance to the rest of the board? Where was his leadership there?
My point is that the Mayor has considerable influence in the overall management of the Board -- and Mr. Thunberg failed miserably. Is he a nice guy? I'm told he is -- but he didn't represent the people and protect our assets.
I'm glad you enjoy Mi-Connection, but is that a necessary service for the town to be providing? Does a government really need to be in the business of purchasing a business and running private business? No. I, however, don't want to be paying taxes toward YOUR internet and cable. Get out of my bank account and pay for your own crap.
Hey 12:06 am (otherwise affectionately known as Bill)...feeling a little bit bitter?
Frank has had it out for Bill Thunberg ever since Bill Thunberg backed somebody else to be on the ABC board. Everybody in town knows this. Frank Owens is a controlling and self-deluded egotistical bully.
Leave poor Frankie alone. A little gambling never hurt anybody. Besides what’s so wrong with calling in a few favors with the P.D. when you can? What’s a little favor between friends?
All I've got to say to November 11, 2009 3:50 PM is Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah. Sycophants like you are the reason we are in the hole as much as we are in this town.
Well when Thunberg's campaign finance report comes out we'll see just how much Thunberg was working for all of us. My bet's that instead we'll see that he was getting heavily bankrolled by a handful of powermongers who were trying to buy the election by throwing money at it.
I didn’t have a problem with Frank Owens once he was removed from elected office. But now I hear that he is trying to interject himself back into the system by twisting arms behind closed doors to get himself political favors. That’s not going to go over too well anymore. This is a different Mooresville from the one his political mentor (and Sacred Cow) Joe Knox lived in. Those days are over. There are no more Sacred Cows allowed to live here. If he forgets that, it could cost him big. Just ask John Crone.
Yep y'all have it right. Frank’s up to his old tricks trying to extort a position on the Travel & Tourism board now. And from what I hear there’s very little oversight over the considerable funds that particular entity is in charge of. Worth looking into…
2:15PM
I believe that if you would check, you would see that the Travel and Tourism's money is handled by the Town of Mooresville and its finance department.
You can’t just blame Frank for trying to get political favors. You gotta look at the people we voted up there, who’re willing to give him those political favors, too. If they cave in, then they’re the real problem, not the Franks of the world.
3:22 PM
And your point is? Are we supposed to feel all warm and cozy because that money is being "handled" by ToM and its "finance department"? Is this the same "finance department" that looked the other way while money was being stolen out of the library, the golf course, and the police department through Cops for Kids? And all of this under the oversight of the same person - Erskine Smith. The town manager is battling a serious illness, which puts (you guessed it) the Problem Child Erskine back "in charge". I ask again: What's your point?
"When we withhold our influence and participation, we yield by default to those who
promote immoral and destructive policies."
James Dobson
My god... the last time I saw Frank Owens he was his cheerful happy self. He says he is happy to be out of politics. You too can chat with him at Bob's Grill most mornings. The Governor just honored him with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his dedication to the community. He is not bothering anyone and seems to enjoy being retired. Is it not time to leave Frank alone and let him enjoy his retirement?
In the history of this town, no one has spent more money on a mayoral race than Bill Thunberg. He beat his own record from four years ago. But he still couldn’t get re-elected, not even against someone who most of us hadn’t even heart of until this year. The joke around town is that a plant could have beaten Bill Thunberg.
Hey people! Frank Owens is history. Frank Rader is history. Bill Thunberg is history. These are all red herrings. We still got ASS (Abraham/Smith) to deal with. Keep your eyes on the ball(s).
Amen 8:59 they are trying to throw everyone off track so the people will not be paying attention. 8:59 again you are exactly right.Just watch what the two history fanatics and the 28117 commissioner will do if you are not paying attention
I don’t know what you’re talking about but I’ve known Frank for a long time. He’s an upstanding citizen and in charge of our American Legion team. As far as I know he doesn’t even have much to do with the P.D.any more so I don’t even see how he could be using it for anything like they’re saying in here.
We are not talking about the PD today. This is something that happened with Frank Owens when Crone was chief in early 2001 and the only reason the federal investigation “went away” was because of 9/11. When the person said Frank “dodged a bullet” you have no idea. I took Frank to be smarter than to try and get back in the game knowing what he knows went down back then.
Make no mistake about it. Rader and Thunberg's downfall began the instant Larry Green began to circulate petitions to have them removed from office last summer after they both dragged their feet after they found about the police chief's misconduct.
I am just so excited about this new Mooresville we're living in. No more lifetime "appointments" made by a bunch of old white men behind closed doors. Out with the old, in with the new. And if the new doesn't act in the best interests of ALL of us, out with them too! No more backroom deals! No more whoring out of this beautiful town! No more piggy banks for public officials!
I'm a little late making this comment, but it's a small concession to this cable debacle that Frank Rader was FINALLY given justice by being voted out!!! I wonder how he feels no longer having access to the town vehicles and police station gym,etc.,etc.? Now we need to be proactive and actually get something done rather than falling into the same pattern of government. There's one more little glitch, fellow Mooresvillians- what to do about Erskine? Suggestions?
All Frank Owens did was answer a question about the Mayor 40 years ago and it turned ugly. Frank is out of politics, the PD, and everything else except Bob's Grill. Leave him alone.
1 Peter 3:10
For He who would love life and see good days,let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from guile.
Jamie G., I want to thank you. For it appears you've stopped posting to this site.
I'm sure you've had the best of intentions when it began. but as you can see, anger, hate, and ignorance have been the only real result.
These posted comments have nothing to do with improving our community.
I appreciate that you've recognized that. I want to again thank you for your efforts.
Owens thinks that it’s been so long since the incident in 2001 that everybody will have forgotten. He’s wrong. There are those of us who have a long memory, no matter where we’re now living. Keep sticking your neck out Frank. We like it when you do. The world's a very small place.
This is to November 18, 2009 9:33 AM. "While the cat's away the mouse'll play" With Huseman sick you can take it to the bank that Erskine's gonna be up to his old tricks in no time flat. As long as we've got him up there collecting his hundred grand a year working for himself and a few of his buddies we're gonna keep getting the same thing we've been getting. Remember the quarter of a million dollar bone he threw to his childhood buddy McKnight? Be expecting more of the same.
Leave poor Frank alone people! It’s all water under the bridge.
Okay, some Thunberg butt kisser wrote in last week on 11/11 at 3:50. This is all I've got to say to them: Even Dale Gowing couldn’t bring himself to endorse the conniving, sneaky, I-work-best-when-I-work-behind-closed-doors 2-time former mayor. But you can bet your last dollar he’ll try to get his little fingers into everything he can, elected or not. He’s one to watch like a hawk.
Water under the bridge? That’s what the former police chief wanted everyone to think about all the trips he took using Cops for Kids money. I’m sure Frank Owens would love all of us to forget all about what happened 8 years ago too. If that’s true then he needs to be a nice quiet boy.
http://davidsonnews.net/2009/11/19/auditor-says-cable-system-must-show-how-it-funds-losses/
Handwriting's on the wall. Sell it - now.
Was that article even carried in the Tribune? I don't subscribe so I have no idea
You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time.
Did Bill Thunberg run all over the state? Maybe. Did he do it out of the goodness of his pure heart? Hell no! He was out there building relationships and setting up the stepping stones to bigger and better things for himself, and his trip expenses were courtesy of the hardworking taxpayers of Mooresville.
If ever there was a tax and spend Republican, it was Bill Thunberg. Good riddance I say. But I agree with whoever said earlier in the thread that you have to keep an eye out for this particular trickster.
Any day of the week you'll be able to catch him at one of his zillion self-important "meetings" trying to grease the wheels for his next heist. The cable disaster taught him nothing.
Please read on line the Mooresville Tribune. It shows that the Town has called a special meeting for November 30 at 7:30AM before most people are up or on the way to work to discuss a purchase involving the old textile mill on South Main Street.
It sounds like Bill Thunberg and Frank Rader want to go out in a blaze of glory and waste more tax payer money which we don't have to buy another crazy purchase like the cable company.
I guess they are trying to get this in before the new Mayor and Councilman are seated the next week.
What a bunch of idiots they think we are. But they should take notice of what happen to Dum and Dummer and it can happen to Adkins,Abraham,and Houston in two years if they vote to buy this property which will cost millions to buy and more millions to tear it down and then to clean up the damaged soil underneath it.
I believe that you are right, if you will notice Thunberg has this meeting scheduled the early morning after a long holiday break. No press coverage except a little blob on line. No one will be there to stop them but it would not help the way these idiots think.
Why not wait ONE WEEK instead of a hurry up purchase. They do not want anyone on the board that will oppose them.What a bunch of ........
If you use Rader Math which he and Thunberg will they can show where this would be a great investment.
Mooresville will have the largest in door skate park in the world and people will come from far and far away to see this wonderful place.
This way Rader can be proud and prance around like he always does and thousands will come to Thunbergs Jewelry Store just to meet the man that brought this to mooresville which caused the town to go bankrupt.
Somebody remind me again why I have to read Erskine's sorry ass dribble everytime I open my overinflated water bill? Talk about adding insult to injury! I thought we had a NEW town manager? Is Erskine Smith still not gone?! Well at least he was right about one thing he said, that the wheels of government turn slow. The fact that his ass is still collecting a paycheck is proof of that fact!
In the water bill letter he says that Thunberg and Rader sat through countless meetings and other bull shit and told one hell of a lie when he stated that they did their best to be good public servants for our community. All they did was to try and bankrupt this town.
Also the board needs to get this city manager off of his sorry ass and let him get out and be seen and answer why Erskine is still there.He can't do much if he can't even write a letter to the people of the town.The heading on the letter says from Town Manager's Office not the assistant manager office. Come on Husemann get off your ass.
good points made by previous couple of posters. what are we paying Huseman for if he can't even write a letter to the citizens? And why is Smith still on the job after everything I've read not just in this blog but throughout the years in various news sources? He's at the very least an embarrassment. he's definitely leftover junk from a past era that we've all moved on from in this town.
if I am not mistaken Mr. Huseman is out on medical leave suffering from a major medical condition.
check again you are mistaken his sorry ass is there most of the time...come to the board meeting Monday and see if he isn't there
The point here is the board is being negligent by continuing to allow someone of Erskine Smith's substandard caliber and track record to continue to hold a powerful enough position that would allow him to step in and be the main decision maker if the town manager takes ill. He should have been removed long ago, and hopefully with a new board in place, he will be. He is the common denominator for the downfall of many an elected official in this town.
Just think 6 1/2 hours and Dum and Dumber will not be able to vote us into higher debt and bankrupt us.
Did anybody make it to the town board meeting last night? Any scoop?
When the two that got defeated got up to leave..very very little sadness and when the two newcomers came on board the crowd very well pleased and lots and lots of happiness now that the ordinary ciziten maybe has a better chance now than they did.Now two more need to go in two years. One of them Mr. Houston is OK because he too is for the average ciziten.
Best part of the night was when they deposed Mitch Abraham from mayor Protem.You had to see it to believe it.Good for them!That guy has enough stink on him to last anybody's entire political career especially because of the rotten waste water deal he got caught trying to push through for his church buddy.Things are starting off on the right foot.And if the don't stay on the right foot some others on the board will know how it feels two get the boot out the door like Thunburg and Rader just did.
Did ya hear that the private developers @ Exit 31 are a step closer to getting our Federal Tax Dollars???
Story in Saturday 12-19-09 Charlotte Observer about how much Liquor Store Managers make in salaries and bonuses each year, regardless of profit or losses.
Makes me wonder how much the Manager of the Mooresville Store makes each year? Probably a ton. The town board appoints the members of the ABC Board and they hire the managers. Never seen the salaries posted and they should be public record because this story shows some salaries.How about it town board make the salaries public.Probably more than Erskine and the City Manager makes.
The Mayor appoints the ABC Board and the Board hires the manager. The Town Board has very little, if nothing to do with Mooresville's ABC Stores. ABC employees are not Town employees and are paid through ABC receipts. Tax dollars are not an issue here. The Mooresville stores are above and beyond other area ABC stores in returning profits to the community (Recreation, Police, Library, etc....)
ABC Stores are operated as a private business, however, local and state regulations are in place as a guideline of uniformity. I'm guessing the manager, Mike Deaton, makes in the 50,000 to 60,000 range. That was the case a few years back, not sure now.
And how did he get his job,,he was one of Joe Knox's campaign workers and when he was elected he got the job. From Textiles to Liquor Sales. All the other members of the board are appointed by THE CITY COUNCIL and they appoint their friends who get a big salary for ONE meeting a month along with a meal, like they can't eat before they come. If this board was volunteers with no pay no one would want it. Why not save the salaries and let it go back to police and recreation.By the way look at who this board is. All have or make a good salary each year. Come on ABC Board members give up your salary,
I agree with the above 12:00PM. I would think that it is public record what these people make along with the manager, since they are appointed by the town board and money comes back to the town in some manner. It needs to be made public
No guys. The ABC Board is appointed by the Mayor. The Town Board doesn't do it. Board members usually consist of business owners or someone with a background in business or finance. Such is the case for Mike Deaton. He worked for Burlington for many years in the finance/payroll area and worked closely with the finance people in Greensboro at Burlington headquarters. Mike never worked in the spinning, dying, weaving part of the mill.
I would think that if you knew what you were talking about you would check with Ms Pope at the Town Office. People fill out a application and the Town Board along with the Mayor ALL vote and who ever receives the most goes on the board. Most of the times like Mack and Goins close friends of the former Mayor that is why the are on the board, getting money they don't need.
I do know. I've been there. Yes, an application
is filled out (hasn't always been that way) but Mayor has final say. That's the way our ABC system has operated since 1965 when John C. Miller and later Dr. Boyce Brawley were Mayors when Mooresville got into the ABC program.
December 31, 2009 2:16 PM is right. You would do well to check with Ms. Pope to get the facts right on these appointments, as well as who votes, etc.
Thought we were talking about MI-Connection??
Thought we could talk about anything we wanted to.
Things that make you say "Hmmmmmmmm."
http://davidsonnews.net/2010/01/26/will-cable-systems-financial-woes-hit-town-budget/
add this to your "hmmmmmmmmmmmmm" file:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/breaking/story/1249330.html
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