According
to several current and former law-enforcement and public officials,
all who asked their names to be withheld, Owens was first
investigated by Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), in combination with
the Mooresville Police Department (MPD), then the case was sent to
the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) in 2001.
The
case apparently went before a federal grand jury either the day
before or after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America. And
that's where the story seems to end and speculation begins.
Owens
is now challenging
incumbent Mac Herring for the Ward 3 seat on Mooresville's town
board. Election Day is Nov. 5.
State begins gambling probe
The
public-corruption investigation began with ALE and the Mooresville
Police Department in late summer 2001. The state agency asked for
local assistance when it began investigating reports of illegal
gambling at a bingo hut on Timber Road in Mooresville. Owens, a
30-year veteran of the Mooresville Police Department who retired as
captain in 1996, was at the end of his first of two consecutive terms as an at-large town
commissioner. He served from 1997 to
2005, when he lost his seat to Frank Rader. The seat is currently occupied by Rhett Dusenbury, who is being challenged this year by David Coble.
Mooresville
had a specialized unit that assisted ALE with the 2001
public-corruption investigation.
“There
was legitimate bingo in one part of the building, but the back of the
operation held real, poker-related gambling,” one officer recalled.
As
part of their undercover operation, two ALE officers, driving an
unmarked, white Mitsubishi Eclipse, made their way into the Timber
Road bingo/gambling establishment. According to several accounts from
people close to the investigation, Owens was inside the bingo hut
when the undercover state agents walked in.
Owens
apparently decided to use his connections as a
high-ranking
official to determine the identities of the undercover agents by
calling the Mooresville Police Department with the Mitsubishi's
license-plate tag number. He was connected to Dispatcher Sheila
Caldwell,
at
which time he asked her whether the call was being recorded.
Caldwell
then switched him to a line that was not being recorded.
Owens asks dispatcher/officers to violate law
Within
minutes, the Eclipse's tag number was run for the first of several
times through the N.C. Division of Criminal Information (DCI). It is
illegal to access systems such as DCI for purposes not specifically
authorized in the law and by people who don't have specific
authorization. As explained by one officer, all law enforcement
personnel must
acknowledge,
via certification, that they understand it is illegal under state and
federal law to use DCI for purposes other than law-enforcement
business.
The
Town of Mooresville, at the time, apparently did not have a policy
regarding police officers running the plates of vehicles for
non-law-enforcement people and purposes. That policy became effective
on Sept. 18, 2001 – shortly
after
the ALE officers busted the gambling operation and a grand jury was
convened – according to public records obtained by the Report. Still, say current and former law-enforcement
personnel, officers and dispatchers knew that running tag numbers for
non-law-enforcement personnel for non-law-enforcement purposes was
illegal.
Mooresville
police were almost immediately notified that the the license-plate
number of the vehicle the ALE agents were driving had been run
through DCI. “Since undercover tags are flagged, DMV (Division of
Motor Vehicles) quickly alerted the police department to the tags
being run,” recalled one officer.
Though
Caldwell – who did not respond to e-mailed Report questions this
week – provided Owens with the information he requested of her, in
the hours after the initial time the tag was run, the
then-commissioner also called on other law-enforcement officers to
run the tag number. Those officers were later interviewed by the FBI
and subpoenaed to testify to the federal grand jury.
Owens 'outs', chases state agents
Upon learning that the license-plate on the Mitsubishi Eclipse was registered to government agents, officers say that Owens, who was still inside the gambling establishment, outed the two ALE agents, verbally identifying them as “cops” to those who were present.
Upon learning that the license-plate on the Mitsubishi Eclipse was registered to government agents, officers say that Owens, who was still inside the gambling establishment, outed the two ALE agents, verbally identifying them as “cops” to those who were present.
“It
was almost as if Frank Owens was working security for the gambling
house,” said one officer.
The
two ALE officers, once identified, immediately exited the building
and fled in the car registered to the town.
But
Owens wasn't letting it go that easily, said sources in interviews
with the Report. Instead, the then-commissioner trailed the ALE
agents down NC 115 toward Davidson – sometimes at high rates of
speed – until they finally made their way onto I-77. That's when
Owens finally backed off.
Undercover
Mooresville police officers witnessed the entire event, including the
car chase. They were stationed along Timber Road in unmarked cars and
were wearing transmitters, which provided constant communication with
the ALE agents. The Mooresville officers followed Owens as he chased
the ALE agents down NC 115.
Why
didn't they pull Owens over, especially knowing what had just
transpired and considering he was an easy target for speeding while
chasing the agents? Simple, said one source close to the case: “They
didn't want him to follow them back to the police department. They
were trying to keep from having their cover blown.”
FBI launches public-corruption probe, federal grand jury convened
It
wasn't until a follow-up visit to the Mooresville Police Department
that the ALE agents positively identified the man who outed them as
“cops” inside the gambling hall and then took it upon himself to
chase them down NC 115. They were able to identify Owens in a photo
of town commissioners hanging on a wall at the Mooresville Police
Department.
The
case was handed to the SBI to investigate. Considering the sheer
number of people who helped Owens by calling in the tag number of the
undercover vehicle, the case began to appear much more complex than a
case of mere gambling. That's when the FBI became involved and
started investigating a possible public corruption case: “I was
contacted by the FBI and told they were investigating the corruption
of a public official,” said one former law-enforcement officer who
later became a federal witness.
At
least two Report sources say they were interviewed by FBI agents.
“I told them the truth: Owens
asked me to run the license plate," said one source. "There was
no rule in place for us not to do that. Owens told me it was on a
suspicious vehicle parked at BJ's (where he worked at the time); I
had no idea it was an ALE agent that was monitoring the gambling
house. If he did that, shame on him.”
The
late Capt. Leon White, a loyal friend
of Owens', apparently told federal authorities the same story about
the tag being on a suspicious vehicle at BJ's.
“Obviously,
they had gotten their story straight,” said one former officer. “So
the FBI just decided to put the case in front of a grand jury and let
them offer that lie there, with no lawyers present.”
Said
another: “I testified in front of the grand jury. I told the
truth because it was the right thing to do.” However, he said, “The
FBI is very secretive. They didn't share any information with me.”
The case stops
The grand jury was convened, and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks occurred at the same time. That's where the story essentially stops. Any information after that is speculative at best:
The grand jury was convened, and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks occurred at the same time. That's where the story essentially stops. Any information after that is speculative at best:
“After
9-11, it was clear they weren't going to follow up,” said one
source. “I was a federal witness, and they never called me back.
They said the reason they didn't continue with the case is because
the gambling never met the threshold; the house didn't make enough
money to make it a federal crime.”
Other
law-enforcement personnel say while federal officials may have
suggested
that the dollar-amount was the reason for dropping or closing the case,
it wouldn't have likely been the actual cause. “When it comes to
public corruption,” said one source, a dollar-amount made at the
gambling house would not matter. The fact that a commissioner would
be involved in illegal activity and then interject himself in a
criminal investigation “undermines people's trust in government,”
he said. And that would have been more pressing to law-enforcement
investigating public corruption than a specific dollar amount made at
a gambling house.
After
all, said one former officer, gambling was just “an instrument”
of the bigger public-corruption case.
A
former federal official said it is plausible that federal authorities
dropped the case because the amount of money did not meet a threshold
for white-collar fraud and embezzlement or criminal enterprise. “With
too few federal representatives, the bigger players – the more sexy
cases – were going to get the action,” he said. “The dollar
amount (made at the gambling house) would be a legitimate
consideration in making the determination” of whether to pursue the
public-corruption case.
But
he said it is more likely that the public-corruption case was no
longer pursued because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. “There
was a wholesale realignment of investigative priorities” after
9-11, he said.
Before
the terrorist attacks, the FBI had “investigative priorities, and
terror and counterterrorism weren't even on the list,” he said.
“Federal agencies were turned on their head because of September 11th.”
What
was happening in Mooresville, he said, “could have been a federal
crime, but the concept is you go after the bigger fish. It's piranhas
versus sharks.”
One
of several sources speculated that perhaps federal authorities did
not have a strong enough case against Owens. “I don't know if the
FBI couldn't put all the pieces together for a federal case or what.
I feel if (the grand jury) thought they could have indicted him, they
would have. I think it just stopped at the grand jury, and (the FBI)
didn't present a strong enough case.”
However,
he said, “They (FBI agents) are secretive. They don't share
information. They wouldn't tell why it stopped.”
'Systematic retaliation' and unanswered questions
No
matter the reason for the case being “dropped” or “closed” or
“stopped” – and despite the lingering question of why the state
didn't pick the case back up when the federal government's attention
was directed elsewhere – the fact that the case was not followed
through meant local officers involved in exposing and investigating
the gambling house suddenly became sitting ducks. The top brass at
the police department, including then-Police Chief John Crone, had
been largely kept in the dark about the state's investigation. And
the target of their probe – a town commissioner in part responsible
for overseeing the operation of the government, including the police
department – had been investigated by the FBI, and his friends had
been forced to testify in front of a federal grand jury, yet he
was clearly not being held accountable. Owens was free to move on
with his life – and, if he wished, to make things very
uncomfortable for police-department employees who participated in the
investigation.
At
the police department, the specialized unit that worked with the ALE
agents was immediately disbanded.
“They
started systematically getting rid of people and demoting people
after the FBI called off the investigation,” one former officer
said. “It was systematic retaliation.”
One
source said Owens approached Crone, telling him to terminate at least
one of the officers involved. The Report asked Owens about that in an
e-mail of questions sent on Oct. 16 and 17 to three different e-mail addresses he owns. To date, Owens has not responded to any of the
questions.
We
asked Owens to point out any discrepancies or possible misinformation
in the detailed accounts provided by Report sources. He did not
respond.
We
asked him: if the police dispatcher had already provided him with the
information he was seeking on the tag, why did he ask several other
people to run the tag, too? Owens did not respond.
We
asked Owens if he has ever been involved in illegal gambling in
Mooresville and, if so, if he was involved while he was a police
officer and/or a town commissioner. He did not respond.
We
asked him if he was ever interviewed by the FBI while it was
investigating him for public corruption. Owens did not respond.
We
have offered, in another e-mail, to post his response(s) if he ever
changes his mind.
Posts
100 comments:
you go Jamie,now what about the reserve officer with the county pulling the gun on the repo man??thanks for the great job ya doing
Can't believe you are doing this hit job on Owens. He was cleared and you know it. Are you really wanting Mac Herring re-elected since he has cost taxpayers so far over $20 million with the purchase of MI-Connection,not to mention he has always voted for property tax increases, fee increases and giving money to developers. With his tenure Mooresville has become #1 in the state in taxes and fees per capita. This is what you should be reporting not a very old, settled event. Hope to read those stories before the election.
Is there something in the water in Mooresville and Iredell County?
7:02 p.m.: Thank you. I posted a link to the R&L story earlier, but it was buried. Here it is: http://thegattonreport.blogspot.com/2013/10/sheriffs-reserve-officer-facing-charges.html
"A settled event..." Lol. Must have went to the Renee Griffith school of damage control
Looks like Mooresville and Troutman both have skeletons..
Hey Larry JackAss:
MI-Connection is an old story. A current candidate's character is always relevant.
Thanks for confirming this happened Larry. All the facts weren't enough to convince me.
Important information for the public to know about - thank you for the reminder, since the truth was buried in these matters for years. Mooresville does not need Owens on its Board of Commissioners; it would be a shameful travesty if he got elected. He's still trying to retaliate...
Jamie, You are my hero. You are not afraid to speak the truth. EVERYONE that worked with "Frankie" knew what was going on with him. He had several high ranking officers in his pocket. One currently works for Iredell Co that "worked" the door of one gambling house behind Lanny's Fish Camp. I think it was a VFW Post at the time. A local banker and part time officer also lost his job after providing fraudulant loans to Owens to cover his debts. It was normal for Owens to use his pressure to get info from the DCI computers and ALL of the certified operators know that this is not legal. No need for a department policy. They all know this when they get their license from the state to run the computer. Mooresville PD was placed on probation for misuse of the DCI system back in the mid 1980s when Owens was running criminal records on applicants to the Moose Lodge (and charging money for the record). ANYONE that worked at MPD during the time Ownes was there, knows exactly what he is about. He did not keep it a secret. If you wanted to keep your job, you kept your mouth shut.
Frank has said there are people in town employment he will get fired if he is elected. pfft. After being a commissioner in the past, he should know commissioners individually do not have the power to do that. ... Oh wait! Maybe he's banking on his ability to use his influence in a corrupt way, since he possibly has experience with that method. I don't want someone like that representing my district.
Concerning MI-Connection, Frank has said he will "get rid of it" if elected.
Again, if elected, he would have no power to do that. Who does he think he is? Above the law, I guess. Or is he too dim to know the LEGAL powers a commissioner has?
If he's smart enough to know he can't "get rid of it" then he must be a very dishonest person.. telling people things he believes they want to hear, knowing they aren't possible.
We own MI-Connection whether you like it or not. It is not sellable until the year 2017 per the contract from what I understand. So if you are against us owning MI, ask yourself what good it does to go around crying about how awful it is, and how it's so bad. Right, if you have an item you hope to sell 4 years from now, the smartest thing to do is spend years telling everyone you can how bad you think it is. ??? No sales career for Mr. Owens.
Frank seems to just look out for what Frank wants. He's pissed he lost his seat way back, and can't let personal feelings share space with what's best for the town and Ward 3 tax payers he is asking to represent. NONE of these things are okay for someone representing me.
I heard a story way back then about one of the gambling houses getting raided on the ONE night in a month when Frank wasn't there. The other guys there all felt like he was given advance warning and sold them out! The one that told me about it (who was there) said that Frank was there every day except that one.
Jamie, Did you just print 'Owens was first investigated by Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), in combination with the Mooresville Police Department (MPD), then the case was sent to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2001 and a grand jury.' and wonder why he has no time to answer your questions. HOW could Mr. Owens possibly rise to your approval; if those authority's found nothing to pursue then what's your angle here? Why waste time on a 12 year old story about an apparent vindication???
The Larry guy has a better story, but his $$$ are way low. The town will likely lose upwards of 60 million before MI-Connection is said and done. Not to mention the residential property value drop caused by the higher taxes and additional fees needed to cover the MI-Connection losses. This a real stone around our necks. Mr. Owens is right to say deal with it as quickly as possible.
I maybe a jackass, but I'm a jackass that cares about his family and town. The Owens story is older and MI is relevant because we are going to pay and pay, money that could have been used for projects like roads that the town is considering now that may raise our property taxes. We have not had a tax cut since 2004 and people are suffering through a terrible economy thanks to Obama. Everyone will really need their money when they have to pay for ObamaCare.
Larry, you had me there until you started trying to divert the discussion to the very easy target of Obamacare! Thanks for waking me out of my slumber. Your arguments are full of fallacies.
Yes, Herring is one of the reasons we are saddled with Mi-connection. But it sounds to me like this former commissioner Owens may have been corrupt. I go back to the old adage of "choosing the lesser of two evils." Sorry, but can't vote for somebody corrupt.
Jaime, thank you for following up on this story. Everybody in town has known about Frank Owens for years and years. Nobody had the guts to bring it out into the light - until now. What is really scary is that somebody like this would actually think they can go back and run again for public office.
Owens was as crooked as Crone. Abused his position and powers and continues to live his life thinking he is such a gift to MO. Herring is a loser as a politician, but Owens would be much worse. Which one is the least incompetent leader-that's the question.
I agree. Mac Herring's voting record is out there for anyone and everyone to see and has been written about ad nauseam in the newspapers while he has been a town commissioner. This information about Frank Owens has not ever been reported. It is necessary for all the cards to be on the table for the voters in ward 3 to pick the best candidate for the job. Choosing the lesser of two evils sounds about right.
Anonymous stated that "A current candidates character is always relevant", well, let me tell you about Mr. Herring's character.
He made some very derogatory sexual remarks about a friend of mine in a profession setting. When the professionals he was talking to called him out on it, he insinuated that he could say what he wanted to because she was a woman and laughed about it.
If this is the character you want representing you on a government seat, then cast your vote for him, but think twice, He could say the same untruths about your mother, sister, daughter, etc.
A friendly message:
I am not moderating comments.
Please make sure, for your own sake, that any and all allegations are truthful and accurate and are able to be substantiated by witnesses and/or documentation.
This blog was created to foster, open, uncensored dialogue among Iredell's residents and to provide a voice to "the voiceless" and/or those who fear retaliation for speaking out. To that end, Anonymous comments are welcome.
I am responsible for what I write on the blog, but I do not assume responsibility - legal or otherwise - for the comments posted here or allegations that might appear within them.
I, as always, appreciate your enthusiasm and passion and your involvement in the discussion.
Looks like Thomas Thompson is looking to blame Capt. Owens for his being ran off of the Mooresville PD by making up fairy tales and excuses of things that supposedly happened 12 years ago. Thomas Thompson has more skeletons in his closet than Frank, Mac and Erskine Smith combined. Shame on Jaime for listening to such trash.
So its Bingo in the front and poker in the back this time Thomas Thompson tells the story.. next time he might just add there were hookers and white liqour. Shame on Thomas Thompson for his lies.
I also have heard about the sexual remark that was made in front of a group of professionals.
You can tell that this is just dirty politics.
Frank Owens if he was investigated this was 12 years ago and he was cleared of these charges by a grand jury made up of his peers.
Now about the sexual remark it makes me wonder what other remarks he has been made to other females. I also worry because if he would say it to an adult what would stop him from making a remark to a younger person. I worry about the band boosters daughters and what he may be saying to them.
There is someone reading this blog and most likely has some input into it and he is really proud of his name.
I just wonder what his name would be in the community if people knew about wages being garnished.
Dont forget it was Mac Herring and Mitch Abraham we can blame for the backflow blunder. Mac and Mitch were the two blind mice who made the motion and seconded the motion for the town to enact the overly broad backflow ordinance. The town had to backtrack from the Mitch and Mac ordinance and reimburse businesses for installing devices they did not need costing taxpayers needlessly over $300,000.00
We got rid of Tax and Spend Mitch now its time to get rid of Tax and Spend Mac.
Plus Mac and Erskine are tight. If we are ever going to rid the town of Erskine the first step is to get rid of Mac Herring
Not to get off the subject, but what are the fallacies of Obama, the economy, and ObamaCare. Numbers don't lie. I don't know who the Larry was that said Owens is corrupt, because this Larry supports him. And how can you said someone is corrupt when no corruption was every proven. This is just throwing out something to confuse the voters. Kind like when Romney was asked was he going to take away birth control, which was not true of course but the liberal press ran with it and it became true. Kind like Sarah Palin saying "I can see Russia from my house", which she never said. It was said by Tina Fey,but that didn't matter to the liberal press.
One more comment on Owens. He is a member of the N.C. American Legion Hall of Fame and was given the Order of the Long Leaf Pine which is the highest award given to a citizen by Gov. Bev Perdue for service to to community.
Enough said.
Order of the Long Leaf Pine?
Bev Purdue?
You're kidding, right?
LOL!!!!!
Not kidding. Look it up. Highest honor given a citizen for community service.
Waiting on the MI disaster report.
Look at who Mac surrounds himself with....Most are wanting a handout from the town for something.
Our town has been bled dry by those same people that are advising Mac. Its all about what the town can do for them and their buddies.
Mac is the reason our taxes are so high. Mac supported the purchase of the Cable company. Mac supported increased budgets. Mac supports continuing to pay for the overpriced town administration by reclassifying jobs for do nothing town administration employees.
Mac likes spending your money. We just cannot afford more of Mac.
I looked up MI-Connection in my Thesaurus and "boondoggle" is what came up. Also "rip-off." How does that crummy operation stay in business? Oh, I know, dipping into our pockets, that's how. Whether we are customers or not. I have kin that, much to my everlasting shame, are in real estate, and they peddle property from here to Winston-Salem and they inform me that many towns have over-priced systems like MI-Connect. This has got to be a racket or a con job.
As for Owens outing agents, ain't he a prince? That alone makes him a louse in my book. Nothing like putting someone on the line there, pal. Jerk. Pretty clear whose side he's on.
Herring is no prize but sheesh.
I saw where somebody was singing Frank Owens praises because he got the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Sorry but that so-called award has become such a joke, especially BECAUSE it was given to somebody like Frank Owens! He single handedly made it a totally meaningless award.
Something about Jaime's story does not make sense. But if the truth was known its all about the Carolina Tar Heel T-Shirt.
This is just a story about the power of being a true Carolina Tar Heel fan and how one man in a Carolina Tar Heel T-Shirt can make the FBI, SBI, and local law enforcement run the other way like scared rabbits at just the sight of him. A Carolina Tar Heel T-Shirt has more power behind it than superman's "S" any day of the week.
The Power of being a Carolina Tar Heel fan is just amazing.
To Mister October 24, 2013 at 9:58 PM:
We know what a good citizen you are. This is public record from the Iredell County Tax Collector as of this morning some of these UNPAID tax bills go back to 2010. But instead of paying your taxes you paid for shirts for the Mac Herring campaign.
2013 $281.44 4658649764.000
133 GLORY RD
2013 $ 62.05 4658741846.000
GLORY RD
2012 $2,059.31 4701867827.000
461 CARRIAGE RD
2013 $2,178.08 4701867827.000
461 CARRIAGE RD
2012 $214.29 4678568725.000
WIGGINS RD
2013 $196.40 4678568725.000 WIGGINS RD
2012 $1,079.97 4667311178.000
501 CARPENTER AV
2012 $612.94 459 WIGGINS RD
2012 $386.17 4679188313.000
132 FRENCH BELK RD
2013 $261.14 4678465650.000
WIGGINS RD
2013 $565.12 4678660216.000
459 WIGGINS RD
2013 $348.26 4667048934.000
331 BELL ST
2013 $234.38 4667059020.000
BELL ST
2013 $1,018.00 4667311178.000 501 CARPENTER AV
2010 $107.42 4668574880.000
115 HAYES-ERVIN LN
2011 $301.97 4668574880.000
115 HAYES-ERVIN LN
2012 $278.884668574880.000
115 HAYES-ERVIN LN
2013 $254.47 4668574880.000
115 HAYES-ERVIN LN
2013 $1,362.13 4667349195.000
633 OAK ST
2013 $419.41 4773247684.000
2874 SALISBURY HW
2013 $2,070.76 4666385823.000
244 CEDAR ST
2013 $2,580.12 4666384760.000
256 CEDAR ST
2013 $303.26 4666195688.000
325 SHARPE ST
2013 $459.48 4658039598.000
149 SILVERLINING RD
2013 $1,129.37 4666181202.000 329 WATER ST
2013 $1,367.26 4666087341.00
370 WATER ST
2013 42.63 1965 FORD MUSTANG
2013 $671.66 4678440498.000
582 WIGGINS RD
Thank you Jaime for your report. This information should be on the front page of the Tribune. The voters have a right to know all relevant information about the candidates, especially information regarding character and credibility. The Tribune should publish this article, and give Mr. Owens an opportunity to respond.
Bill C.
I know the Meadows Family very well. I am sure that Mr. Meadows and his family will pay their taxes when they sale the lots on Bell Street that they obtained in a lawsuit versus Brian Harwell. Mr. Meadows spent a lot of money suing Mr. Harwell in a civil court for defaming his name. This included Mr. Meadows being libeled and slandered. Court Transcipt from the Iredell County Court House shows that in FILE 10 CVS 002157 MR. DEWEY: Your Honor, through some negotiations between Mr. Walker and myself and ultimately involving the parties, we have reached an agreement to resolve this case and put it to rest. And that agreement involves transfer of some real estate from the defendant to the plaintiff. And we have already delivered the deed for that real estate to Mr. Walker. It also involves the signing and reading to you of a statement by Mr. Harwell...... Mr. Harwell replied: First of all, I want to add a little bit to this that's not written here. There's been a lot of hate that's went back and forth. It's not the Christian thing, to hate. I have no hate whatsoever for anybody in this courtroom. Johnny, the family, you know, I respect the family, got along with them for years. We may never have that relationship again, but I just want you to know, whatever back and forth, if there was something that was said to me, I forgive you, and likewise, I hope the same, because we've got to live with each other in Mooresville. For the purpose of this , I acknowledge tha the things I have written and stated, I have liabled and slandered John Fletcher Meadows, and for that I sincerely apologize to John and his family. MR.WALKER: Will you please state your name? DEFENDANT HARWELL: Brian R. Harwell.
Mr. Owens was deposed over this matter because Mr. Owens was the one who involved Chief Robbins. Mr. Meadows found himself defending his name over allegations that were nothing but lies.
Also, I am sure that the Meadows' family will not support Mr. Owens at all and regret that they did not what he was about before now.
Mr. Harwell currently has a case pending at the North Carolina State Bar over this matter. After, that is decided I am sure there will be other people involved in further litigation.
Ms. Gatton-
I had heard that you had posted some valuable research on Candidate Frank Owens who is seeking a return to power after being “Flushed out” of office, pun intended, back in 2005. There are some issues which you did not cover. In years past, you covered his CH2M-Hill project, something which many are likely not going to remember. Some of your folks are addressing his takeover of Mooresville Baseball, which is a travesty in its own right.
His gambling is well referenced, but you omitted many other pieces- which I believe your readers can add detail to- as there is much more than I can recollect. His history with gambling goes back to high school, all 6-8 years of it. As a police officer he was a frequent guest downtown playing the numbers at Pike’s Gulf- In uniform. He was also the self appointed security at Bill Bolmer’s legendary Gambling House at the Greenfield Market next the the entrance of Harris Crossing where Center used to dead end into Coddle Creek Road. He was always checking on tags and cleaning house before the agents came into investigate. His staff at MPD were always running scared of him- or cooperating fully- as he was a role model. His police car was often there as he would carry the evening’s haul to their Bank at Beaver’s Honda out Enochville Road- which was recently robbed of nearly $2 Million.
The relationship to Mr. Owen’s Lifelong friend, puppeteer, and banker Danny Beaver is apparent. They have served on the Town Board just as they have connived together for for a lifetime. Frank Owens has always done Danny Beaver’s bidding- just as when they pushed over the CH2M-Hill project over on their fellow commissioners and at the loss of several Town staff department head’s careers- who were brave enough to stand up to him. I believe the Town may have lost a lawsuit over those “wrongful terminations”.
I will leave you with this one story relayed to me by the late Joe Knox, and have heard from at least 2 other folks Joe had shared it with. Joe had bailed Frankie Owens out of many sticky situations in the past, but this one was the last straw. Joe never cared much for Mr. Owens after this event...
During the time of the FBI investigation, Frank Owens was in hiding- missing board meetings and public appearances. He didn’t even round at his multiple gambling establishments. He went crying to the then retired Mayor Knox on his hands and knees... “Joe you have got to help me”, he begged, “They are going to prosecute me, There is a Federal Grand Jury after me”. Joe Knox asked Owens if he wanted him to call his brother Eddie Knox the attorney. Frankie pleaded “Yes, anything!” So Joe got his brother involved and Eddie Knox was one of the best lawyers in the State of North Carolina. He could make anything happen within the bounds of the law that he was contracted to do. Sometime after that was 9/11 and all records of the investigation vanished, as Eddie Knox was good. As the dust settled, Frankie angrily went to Joe Knox and complained “Joe, I thought you were going to help me out here?” Joe was confused and asked then Commissioner Owens what he meant. “I thought you were going to help me- but now I have a bill from your brother’s office for $3000!”. Joe paused and then after a moment responded... “Frankie, if you want me to write my brother a check for you, I can. He will also undo for you all that he has done- and you can go and get your own damn cheap lawyer and see if he can save your ass- is that what you want me to do to help you out. Frankie Owens slithered out of the room like a spanked child.
Joe Knox never did have much use - or respect for Frankie Owens after that. Just ask Frankie, if he doesn’t lie to you he would have to admit it.
When you look back over the past 25 years in Mooresville you will find that-
FRANK OWENS IS THE FACE OF PUBLIC CORRUPTION IN MOORESVILLE!
I don't know how all of you people know so much about what happened and what was said in certain cases. You must have been a good spy or good at bugging rooms. Now I have something to go along with all of your stuff about Mr. Owens. Why have none of you famous detectives and investigators stated that Owens was now being investigated for the disapperance of Jimmy Hoffa and crimes from Fla to NY and it is now believed that he is responsible for all the glitches in the government computers through out the United States.
Come on people if you know all this why not be brave enough to post your name.
RETALIATION & FEAR.
Owens has a very mean and cruel vindictive side. He may seem like your friend until you cross him, then beware the consequences.
Those who know the Meadows family should know that they have REALLY changed through the years. You should really know how much!!! Good luck if you know them...one day you may wish you didn't. A LOT of these posts in this blog are not true. Everyone has issues...but to publicly lie and post things like this on a blog is downright horrible! What a shame a blog like this is allowed online. Bonjour!!!
Are Ownens and Dussenbury running together? I just found a card for each jammed into my door. Looks like the same person is delivering stuff for both of them.
Yes anonymous I put the cards there and I am supporting them. You should also if you want any chance of lowering taxes. While Mac has been in office Mooresville has become #1 in the state in taxes and fees per capita and the taxpayer's have paid $20 million to subsidize MI with millions more to come. I also wished those that comment on this sight would be brave enough to list their name.
I'd ask why you always seem so angry, but, it doesn't matter.
An anonymous post on a local blog says that a card for each of two Town Board candidates seemed to have been delivered by the same person and you say hello by challenging someone to a contest of bravery? :)
Thank you for confirming that Rhett Dusenbury and Frank Owens are only linked by you being a supporter of bot and not because they share a common understanding of either the law or ethic standards.
Anyone who thinks that Rhett Dusenbury can lower our taxes when he can't even manage to get a second for a motion should think a little harder about why pure democracy isn't practical.
Mac thought the purchase of MI was a good idea, then. Not now. Some people make mistakes, learn from them and live another day. Mac is a nice guy who didn't live off the town for 30 years and ignore or use the law for his own benefit.
I wish that you were smarter and supported better candidates. Life is full of small disappointments :)
Wait. I get it, Larry. You think Owens will second Rhett's motions. Okay. That does make sense.
I'm afraid you didn't think that through, though.
More than the two of them would have to agree that anything that Rhett tried to do would appeal to more than than the two of them. There's your problem. You could work on that during the next election. You're relatively young.
No rush :)
Having 2 agree gets the ball rolling and who knows how eddie, lisa and thurman might vote.
Well. There is that. The ball isn't likely to roll very far, though.
Didn't Rhett call them all 'gutless' and dump them all in to the 'progressive majority' that he complained about? Rhett has poisoned the well, Larry.
Rhett hasn't accomplished anything in 4 years and your man Owens, based on what others have posted about him, may have accomplished a few things other than lowering taxes.
Does Rhett have a plan for lowering taxes that the board hasn't already agreed had no merit? Does Frank have a plan that he didn't share the last time that he was on the board?
Mac is doing fine and Rhett's opponent has been serving the Town for years and deserves a shot.
You think Mac is doing fine? You must not like your money. He has hurt this town badly with his MI vote. All that money that could have spent for roads,etc. or just left in the taxpayer's pocket to take care of their family. I am tired of them taking my money and you should be also. We got of rid of Thundberg,Carney and Rader because of MI. Now it is Mac's turn.
'We got rid of Thundberg, Carney and Radar'????
If you're going to say things, it's better to say things that are true. Nobody got rid of Carney. He left to become a Senator.
Now, I asked if there were plans to reduce taxes by either of your candidates. I'll ignore the rest of your distraction while you try to come up with something to support your hyperbole. It isn't enough to say 'Owens will cure cancer' unless you know how.
Rhett and Frank will save tax dollars. How?
The rest of the voters of Mooresville have given Mac a second chance. Voting him off the board now, over MI seems foolish.
I wish you had a reason for supporting these two guys that makes sense. Or was genuine.
MI-Connection sunk Carney in the Senate race. Look at the votes in Mooresville. Rhett and Owens will try to lower taxes but if they just keep the others from spending too much and raising taxes and fees that is better than nothing. As far as Mac got a second change, no one stepped up to run against him. If you like Mooresville being #1 in taxes and fees that is OK for you. You must be rich. I'm not and I prefer to keep as much of my hard earned money as possible for my family.
The point of this isn't really Chris Carney, it was your assertion that Mr. Carney was 'gotten rid' of because of MI, which didn't happen. According to my recollections, and the following article, MI might have been one reason why Carney wasn't elected to another Senate term, but, it was not the only issue:
http://www.hickoryrecord.com/statesville/news/article_9baeb785-68a6-59ce-94e0-97f6bf81961b.html
You say 'Rhett and Owens will try to lower taxes but if they just keep the others from spending too much and raising taxes and fees that is better than nothing.' But, you ignore, over and over, the question of how, ignore the fact that Rhett has destroyed his ability to work with the rest of the board, and ignore the issues that Jaime's article reminded us of and that other posters (some 'brave' enough to post their names) have shared with us. Except for mentioning that the Owen's issues are old news.
Mac voting in favor, during a different economic climate, for the purchase of MI is more of that old news.
'As far as Mac got a second change, no one stepped up to run against him.'
Exactly. No one stepped up to run against him. And no one voted him off. Owens, allegations aside, has been voted off. In favor of Radar.
So, Rhett can't get anything done on the Board: he can just pretend that he's the only Republican and call the rest of the board 'progressives' and 'gutless' and hope that he can get re-elected and convince the rest of the board to give him another chance. His opponent is a Republican, there is no reason to believe that he won't work to keep our taxes reasonable and he hasn't made a point of ignoring our non-partisan election. He has worked with the board and has pledged to build consensus.
I must be rich? What is that? Other than a distraction.
Your candidates both have history that makes both of them the worst choices that we can make for the board. And neither have a plan that they, or you, has shared with us to reduce our taxes. That's just a claim that you make. And my point is that neither, even if they have a secret plan, can work with the board to get it done.
We need the Police and Fire Departments. And we need Board Members who will fund them.
I think I understand why Larry Gregory is supporting Frank Owens. If you look at the past town hall meeting minutes, and news paper articles, you will find Mr. Gregory spewing his garbage every time. He needs corrupt Frankie so that he can be bought, I mean persuaded, to work his own agenda. I believe Mr. Gregory has put his hat into the political ring in the past only to lose, and I believe that Mr. Owens lost his previous attempt at re-election, so let's continue to move forward and forget about both of these losers. Mac Herring is the man for the job.
Don't have a problem funding necessary functions of government. I have a problem funding things like MI which by the numbers you would have to agree has been a disaster. The town was against it and the commissioners including Mac would not allow even a vote. I also have a problem giving government workers higher pay than in public arena and life time benefits which has bankrupt many towns. They can save just like the taxpayers. $20 million so far for MI could have funded things like fire and police or heaven forbid a tax cut. I guess you forgot MI was a central issue brought up by David Curtis and that is why he carried the vote in Mooresville. I met two couples yesterday that are leaving Mooresville because of taxes, fees and MI.
Larry, I am a tax paying citizen in Mooresville, and have a child in the Mooresville Graded School district. I love Mooresville and I choose to pay the tax's and fees because I feel that we receive way more then we actually pay for. I see you have mentioned that two couples are leaving because of tax's, fees, and MI. I love how you threw MI in as a reason they are leaving, did they not have other options like DIsh, TW, AT&T, Windstream? I hate to see them leave, but there will be ten families to take their place, in case you haven't noticed, a lot of folks like Mooresville because of the low taxes compared to other states, and truthfully if you are so unhappy, why don't you follow the other two couples. Just saying everyone has options!
We're talking about Owens and Rhett teaming up to get on the board, 2nd each others motions and then wait for someone to vote in favor of either of them.
We aren't talking about you being in favor of funding necessary government functions. This exchange isn't about you, or me. It's about you supporting Rhett, who only wants to cut, including necessary government function and the past that Owens has and that you don't seem to think matters; while at the same time treating a vote by Mac as though it's something that he has to pay a debt to society for. Mac hasn't committed any crimes. Mac hasn't been investigated. No one here has said otherwise.
We know what Mac did. He made a mistake, has admitted it, and his constituents moved on. To the extent that none of them were interested in challenging him for the board, last time.
We don't know anything about Owen's that Jaime didn't write and that others haven't commented on.
Owens has a history that concerns many of us. Not you. Rhett cannot work with the board. Electing Owens just to get someone to second Rhett's motions doesn't make sense.
Mac is doing fine and Coble has already proven that he can work with the board.
There is no reason to think that Mac or Coble will support unnecessary tax increases. There is every reason to believe that the board can't work, trust or depend on your choices.
Larry? It's great that you like your friends. That isn't a reason for anyone to vote for them.
Having you support them is as bad as Bush supporting Romney. Which is why the Republicans kept Bush at home. But, here you are :)
The voters of Mooresville decided that you and your opinions didn't belong on the board once? Was it just the once?
Voting for your choices would just be stupid.
Rhett's done nothing and Owens has done God alone seems to know what.
He's an idiot.
Carney resigned to be a state Senator. Larry and his cronies had nothing to do with getting rid of him.
Second we've not had a tax increase since 2007/2008. Mac was reelected since then back in 2009.
What's he done since 2009 that's so awful?
I agree Herring and Coble are the best choices! Let's get rid of Rhett and not allow Frank Owens back on the board. Get off your butt's and get out and vote.
I don't like any of these jerks. I wonder why public office in Mooresville can't ever attract anyone with an ethical standard. Either the commissioners suck outright or they have no spine. How much longer is this town going to be stuck with the likes of Erskine Smith? What's the saying? We get the government we deserve? I have to agree, there is some sort of contagion in the water in Mooresville. And the county, for that matter.
Yes I did run once to try to stop the cable. I didn't win so now we are stuck with MI that going to cost of millions of dollars. No Rhett doesn't go along to get along. For his efforts we have had more transparency in government and we have not had a tax increase. Before Rhett we did have tax increase. The rate didn't not change when we had re-valuation. Rates usually go down but they were nots lowered. We have also more fee,school tax increase and county tax increase. And if you look back are articles Curtis did make an issue of MI and Mooresville vote big for him. The couple didn'y say they didn't like MI for their TV,they didn't like all the money be wasted on MI.
Larry, please tell me how MI personally affected that couple that they would have to move? Not making a whole lot of sense, but what else is new?
It seems that Larry, Rhett, and Frank want to go back in time, who are they, the three stooges? Mooresville is moving forward, and is better off not having any of these jerks in political office. We have decided that for Larry, and Frank, now it is time for Rhett!!!
What don't you understand about the people being upset over the waste of taxpayer's money on MI? If you can't see that there is no reasoning with you. I like the the 3 stooges and they could operate the town better than Mac and those that got voted out.And of course we are moving forward. We are #1, in TAXES AND FEES!!! Be nice to see your name anonymous.
Larry, what I do not understand is why people like you harp on a single issue like MI, move on it gets repetitive after awhile. Mooresville has so many great things that it offers. If MI would have never happened, you would still not be happy, and would have to find other issues. Be greatful for the what the town does have, and I will say it again, if it is so bad follow the other two couples lead and leave!!!
What don't you understand about Mac's constituents not being mad enough, at him, to challenge him THE LAST TIME he ran?
What's new? NEW? Can you read?
We all get it. Larry is mad that Mooresville bought MI. You'd be just as mad if MI made money by the bucket full. You don't believe in big government. You don't believe in taxes. You don't believe in being civil, listening or accepting the fact that one board member can't shut down Mooresville government because he's the only Tea Party wannabe at the meetings.
The Tea Party wannabe pretending to be a Republican, presuming to know what the Founders intended; while he works for the Post Office. Cut big government...except for my little post office in Mount Mourne? Talk about a waste of money. Live off the Post Office in one of many unnecessary rural postage drops while trying to cut funding for Mooresville fire crews?
You picked the right guys. One too angry and ignorant to work with anyone, the other, like you, years late to a fight that anyone with common sense already knows: MI isn't news.
You lost one election. Mooresville voted for the other guy. That's not news, either. And why it happened is clear to anyone who reads the nonsense you write.
Cut taxes isn't any better a reason to vote for anyone than pointing a finger and screaming MI.
For God's sake, read something. Or say something new.
Anonymous 6:50 pm, perfectly written, that was the same point I was trying to get across.
Larry is just mad. If you want to understand Larry and everything that he supports, believes, says and writes, just watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mze2fdSw_m0
People change. Not all. This is the kind of person supporting Owens and Dusenbury. Their opponents should be proud.
So, Dusenbury works for the post office? According to this Campaign Finance report, he works for the Town of Mooresville.
Two government jobs by the one who is "for the taxpayer" - that's hilarious. Can we furlough him as a non-essential government employee - oh wait, we can-it's called go out & VOTE!
http://www.app.sboe.state.nc.us/webapps/cf_rpt_search_org/cf_report_image.aspx?DID=144844
(check out page 13 in pdf)
October 27, 2013 at 5:08 PM - Larry Gregory said "What don't you understand about the people being upset over the waste of taxpayer's money on MI? If you can't see that there is no reasoning with you."
Larry, no one said taxpayers are happy about subsidizing MI-C but Frank Owens acts as if he can change it. The only change is to make it MI-C an entity that another company will want to buy in 2017 or later. That's pretty much our only option at this point, so what is Frank going to do...continue to bad mouth it...and devalue it in the process? Wow, that is very forward thinking!
Secondly, in the YouTube video posted earlier, Larry is running for Mayor & complains of high water rates. He forgot to mention that his buddy Frank Owens (& other Town Board Members he served with) NEVER planned or addressed growth in our community and so many years later, we all have to pay the price.
NO vision, NO plan, NO Frankie O.
p.s. our current Town Board, including Mac Herring has reduced our water rates by 10% over the last 2 years. Of course, Larry & everyone moving out, has no clue about that!
I knew the sewage rates were reduced. It was told accidentally that the sewage facility was paid for and I asked for the rates to be lowered even more. I was at the first meeting about the building of an expanded sewage system at a cost of $25 million and ask how long would we pay the increased rates.Don't believe me ask Miles Atkins. He was there. Yes Owens voted to go with CH2M Hill because they were local. After he was defeated by Mac the project expanded to $150 million of which Mac was on board. Sewage rates started rising until last or two year they cut the rates, but the rates should have been cut more because there is a tremendous surplus. As bad as this cost, it is a function of town government but the town should be cutting rates faster. MI is relevant because Mac voted for it against the will of the people. MI is not a function of government. That is the key, not that we have to wait until 2017 to try to sell and lose more money, IT IS NOT AND NEVER WAS A FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT!! Add to that all the actual things the town could have done or even gave us a tax cut. If the town happens to get passed the road bond, our taxes could go up and that would not be necessary if MI was not around our neck.
Larry,
You complained about government workers being paid higher than the public...can you give a specific example of that? Compare, say a police officer with ?, a fireman with ?, a teacher with ?. Do you know they are being paid more than their comparable private workers? Or are you just assuming they should all be paid the same as the local fast food cook?
So,October 28, 2013 at 1:53 PM states "Owens voted to go with CH2M Hill because they were local"
Courtesy of CH2M Hill website About us.....
As a global leader in consulting, design, design-build, operations, and program management, CH2M HILL has the human and technical resources.....
CH2M HILL has 28,000 employees on six continents...
HHHhhhmmmmm - as easy as it is to verify that information; sounds like somebody's just interested in "the spin"!
The problem with beliefs is that everyone doesn’t share them. Typing IT IS NOT AND NEVER WAS A FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT!! in all caps doesn’t make something true. Why don’t you tell us why, Larry?
Do you still contend that CHM2 is local?
What were the results of the plebiscite, Larry? The vote that proves that Mac voted ‘against the will of the people’. You realize that you aren’t ‘the people’, right?
The Town of Mooresville looked at you and decided we didn’t need you as Mayor. There was a reason for that. You don’t know the will of the people, Larry.
Why is Miles running unopposed, Larry? Have you decided to accept the will of the people?
There were, notice that I said were, two issues with the purchase of MI. Because so much time has passed, it's sometimes necessary to remind everyone that it was a lot easier to tell that the purchase was a bad business decision after the fact because of the economic disaster that occurred in 2008. The board didn't vote to buy it because it seemed like a way to lose money. Then you have those who believe that we need a small government. They are prepared to admit that we need water, fire and police, but, insist now and insisted at the time that the government had no business buying a cable company.
It was both a business decision and a philosophical one. We've had both arguments. At this point, neither matter. Everyone, except for Owens, Gregory and anyone else who doesn't understand what we've all been told, knows that it doesn't make economic sense to sell MI before 2017. This is 2013.
Since re-election, is there any reason to believe that Mac Herring isn't doing a good job? No? Okay.
CH2M Hill had a local person involve that lived here. Ask Mitch. Also take a civic course. Buying a cable system is not a function of government. Were you at the cable meetings? I was and at the time I only knew 7 people who wanted us to buy the cable. Thunberg,Carney,Radar,Mac and 3 people out of appx. 15 who spoke. Well known writers and publications report government workers on average make 20% more than the private sector doing the same type work plus lifetime benefits. You should do your own research. Still waiting on Jamie's story on the damage done to Mooresville because of MI.
Larry, you're missing the point. You aren't telling anyone anything that we don't already know.
No civics class teaches that government doesn't, or can't, own businesses. The Tea Parties and FOX 'News' teach that. NC owns the license plate manufacturing industry and produce all state documents using prisoners. Every sign you see on every road is also produced by the prison industry. The Town owns trash pick up. There are any number of companies who could do that, and do it now out in the county.
Why was buying MI a bad idea? If it looked like a good business decision, at the time? Saying it wasn't a function of government is fallacious. You're opinion. It wasn't until the next election that everyone found out that there was quite a bit of opposition among voters. But, and please read this until you understand it, Larry, Mac Herring's constituents didn't seem to feel that the decision that he'd made was that bad. And, based on that, there is no reason to vote him out years later.
You are obsessed with paying government employees less. What is it you do, again, Larry? :)
Those who work for the government make more than you? Or do they already make less?
You still haven't given us a sensible reason to support Rhett or oppose Mac. The posts about Owens are still here for everyone to finally read and Rhett still can't do anything at a board meeting except wish he could filibuster until someone else supported his Tea Party agenda.
Larry is waiting for Jaime to write more about MI, and everyone's name, and, most importantly, for a clue.
Here is the good business decision to buy cable that Jamie should write. Adelphia went bankrupt. Troutman,Mooresville,Davidson, Cornelius,and Huntersville were going to buy it. Cost $80 million. Troutman,Cornelius, and Huntersville figured out it was a bad deal and dropped out. Mooresville and Davidson continued. Time Warner offered to buy and refund the towns expenses. Good time to bail. The two towns said no, so it was purchased. Due diligence was not done so $12 million more was needed for upgrades. MI is restrict to this area while other carriers can come in our territory, so we are competing with Time Warner, Dish,Direct, AT&T, etc. So far we had subsidized MI $20 million and that will continue. The contract was written that the more subscribers you sign the more debt you incur. Davidson was signing up more and their debt was rising which they could no afford, so they blackmail Mooresville saying they would reduce subscriber so Mooresville would get more of the debt. So Mooresville agree to take Davidson debt over $1 million so we are now paying more. Can't sell until 2017 and we will lose money even then. With all this said how could this have been a good business decision. We have to pay the debt because we can not default on the debt because it would hurt the town's bond rating. This is one reason government should not be in private enterprise. Time Warner has deep pockets and the town has what, the taxpayer. Mac knew and did not listen. He listened to Carney and Thunberg because they said it would make all kind of money the town could spend. This is why hes needs to go. All the commissioner where given information about towns that bought cable systems around the country with not one making a profit. I don't care what a business does with it's money but a town should not obligate the taxpayer without letting them at least vote on the decision. Why are they considering a bond vote for the roads? That is a functions of the government and whether you agree or not government is not suppose to be in private enterprise.
You are unable to explain your position because you can't. It should be easy. 'I don't think that government should own cable companies, sign companies, printing companies, license plate manufacturing or paint factories because........................................................................'
It might take you more than 10 words.
If more people agreed with you, Larry, you might be up for re-election :)
Still, the conversation is about Owen's and Dusenbury, or, rather, replacing them with two men who don't have questionable pasts, while living off the Town (for 30 years and with your lifetime benefits), or are unable to work with other people while also working for the government.
So anonymous you would have invested your money to buy the cable knowing the facts? Government is suppose to be limited. Since government has try to do everything, our local government, our state government and our federal government have huge deficits. Look up on line what the responsibilities of local government are and you will see it does not include cable. Owens past is not questionable since nothing happen and I didn't know Rhett had a questionable past. Since you know so much you should run for office but then you would have to share your name.
Larry,
I was going to post links here to the stories I have written on MI-Connection. But considering there are at least 24 (judging from the number of times I've used "MI-Connection" as a tag), I figured the best thing to do, instead, would be to direct folks to the "Labels" category on the blog's home page.
If you click on it, you will find 2 dozen different articles on MI-Connection, one or two of which - no doubt - include my opinion on the purchase.
No need for me to repeat anything I've already reported.
Thank you all for a lively exchange here. I'm enjoying it ... and learning a lot, too! :)
Larry, how many registered voters were there when the town decided to to do the MI deal. According to my math the 8 out the "15" people that spoke out in opposition do not represent the majority, the truth is the majority of folks really don't give a crap about MI one way or the other. I thought as a financial planner you would be a little better with math.
Jamie, thanks for that info. It’s far from secret how opinions differ on the cable ownership in our town. And I agree with the post after yours.. the time for the people who were really upset about the MI deal would have voted so in the last election.
Larry, there have been a few moments reading comments here that I almost felt bad for you. I have no reason to believe you are anything but a nice fella in general. From what I can tell, I think I share much of your preference for small government. But I gotta say – You’re like a bad version of that Ground Hog Day movie.. It just keeps coming up. It’s like the dry heaves.
You have got to get in present day man! The issue of Mac’s vote on the cable thing has been well covered here. Mac is a friend, like family, to me. Known him all my life. We have had disagreements on political opinion several times on a variety of topics, mostly federal gov related. But what I am sure of is that Mac honestly asks himself what is best for the town and citizens first. He NEVER makes a board decision/vote based on what Mac wants. He knows his job is representing the citizens, and he is completely devoted to weighing all the info with that in mind. I have a problem with your statement “Mac knew and did not listen.” That makes is sound like there was malice. Bulls$#@! Now you’ve pissed me off. I will vote for Mac, not because he is my friend, but because I know his character, and I know how that character is utilized in serving as my rep.
You’re in total denial about Frank Owens’ shadiness. I’ve lived here all my life, and sometimes there’s just stuff people know. You aren’t going to find a court conviction document to back it up.. doesn’t mean it isn’t so. Stop dismissing the legitimacy of the question of Owens’ character. I’m thankful Jamie had ability to do a lot of research on his past and post it here for the public. When you run for an elected office, you open yourself to that kind of scrutiny.
You are responsible for using your intelligence to vet certain things without the crutch of a police report or jury verdict. Saying there’s no issue with Frank because he hasn’t been tried and convicted is about as sharp as saying there’s never been an innocent man put in prison either. Courts, cops, judges, juries, and attorneys, all screw stuff up too. OJ Simpson got an innocent verdict. Should we assume you would have OJ watch over your wife and kids while you are away?
We have a “gut feeling” and instincts for a reason. If you would at least indicate that you gave consideration to the reporting provided, instead of immediate refusal and objection, it would be easier to just conclude “well, Larry has considered the whole picture, and is still foolish enough to support Frank.” But instead, you have proven you are a closed box.
You know what rhymes with Larry? Scary, and not just because it is Halloween week,it is because he supports Frank Owens and Rhett Dusenbury!!!!
Larry. Scary. Dusenbury.
Eek!
Larry, when Jaime writes an article about the Constitution or the Founders, I'll be happy to discuss the functions of government, limited government, or the intention of all the various Anglican, white, property owning men who wrote the nations founding documents. Until then, let's forget what you heard on FOX and talk about this Mooresville election.
If the voters of Mooresville thought that Miles needed to be replaced, he would not be running unopposed. Neither would Lisa. And Mac has already been re-elected by his constituents once. They have had the chance to show him their support.
Owens was beaten by Radar, who voted for MI and was then voted out. And you can argue about why, but, you don't know, regardless of that you believe.
Mac is doing fine. Mac, Miles and the rest of the board aren't gutless; standing up or simply ignoring Rhett proves that. And anyone who knows the Mayor and the rest of the board knows that they aren't encumbered by any 'progressive majority'. That's just a lie. Rhett got one second to a motion. One.
We need someone in his seat who can work with the board and do what Mooresville needs: not what you and your particular Tea Party want.
Owens was a mistake that Mooresville already corrected. No need to make that mistake again. Rhett was a mistake. Rhett's not a bad guy. He just never should have been elected. Now Mooresville can send him back to the Post Office and we can elect someone else. Someone with a better track record of public service, social interaction and a willingness to listen to others when it's their turn to talk and make informed decisions.
Mooresville isn't Washington. We don't need the squeakiest or most annoying or the most deceptive wheel intimidating the rest of the board or shutting down discussion, debate or the ultimate function of government: running it.
Mac Herring has proven that he cares about Mooresville. And if the voters disagreed the last time that he ran someone would have opposed him and, presumably, won. They didn't.
David Coble has proven that he's ready to work for all of us on the board by serving on appointed boards and working for his neighborhood.
I too have lived here my whole life. I remember a little poker house on Iredell Ave just at the edge of town. I was told by someone who was THERE that Frank Owens was at the place almost all the time it was open, except for the day it was raided by the police. The guys who hung out there all felt like he knew it was going to happen, and just did not warn them. They considered him a friend...until that day. Now, interestingly enough, the little building is gone, the property is vacant, and Frank Owens has a big political sign posted there. Wonder if he got permission, or if he is just thumbing his nose at the guys who no longer consider him a friend.
Jamie the last story written on you blog about MI was April 26, 2012. This story is still relevant because in 2013 the taxpayer's lost $5,324,595 to pay the debt. As far as the Owens story, gossip and rumors are not facts and if there had been wrong doing it would have pursued. This is how many do now in politics, don't debate the issues just try to destroy someone's character. Sad state of affairs. If the town can not sell MI the debt payoff will be $142,906,395. I hope all of you anonymous enjoy this tax burden and lack of actual public services. If MI have been put up for a vote it would never have passed. That is why there was no vote.
Carol do you have facts about Owens? If so bring them forward. And you probably was going to vote for Mac anyway. During this entire debate I have not call anyone a name or insulted them. I've stated facts and facts are stubborn things. You and all the other have a right to believe what every you want to believe. I have no facts to stop Owens from getting my vote, but I do have facts about this government and the money wasted with MI. If facts come forward about Owens I can change my mind. I am and always will be for limited government and personal responsibility. So if you think this is Ground Hog Day,so be it.
P.S OJ was not found innocent he was found not guilty. He got a trial and was later found guilty in civil trial.
MI is bad. We get that. You really don't need to tell us, again. Most of us agree with that.
Owens has baggage, too many allegations to just ignore. And he's been voted off, already. What's he going to do? Stop the purchase of MI? 2nd Rhett's motions? Pointless.
Mac has been re-elected once and is doing a fine job working with Rhett's 'gutless' and the 'progressive majority' on Rhett's imaginary board.
Rhett is a liar and he can't work with the board. He can't do what Miles suggested, build consensus or garner support. He's useless.
David Coble has served the Town and his neighborhood and will serve with distinction and treat everyone with respect; including the voters.
I’m gonna try to repond to each of Larry’s statements to me by pasting his post below and putting --- in front of each of my repsonses.
Larry Gregory said...
Carol do you have facts about Owens? If so bring them forward.
---I’m not sure I understand what you define as fact. I’m starting to think that the only statements you will accept as fact are ones that suit your personal feelings and desires. See the earlier post of mine about your responsibility to have some intellectual skills outside of what you can find in court documents. Life does not come with a fact manual. Every day you have to make some decisions based on what you know is right.
And you probably was going to vote for Mac anyway.
---What,… before Jamie’s reporting here? Nope, I already knew these things and more about Frank. I also said my reason for voting for Mac earlier.
During this entire debate I have not call anyone a name or insulted them.
---That’s pretty much true, and your self control is to be noted. I did not actually call you a name. I described your behavior with the word “stupid.” It’s accurate in my opinion. You may find it insulting. I don’t think any of the synonyms I could have chosen would have made you feel any less insulted.
I've stated facts and facts are stubborn things.
---You have not consistently stated facts. You gave a summary OPINION in most of your description of how YOU feel the MI deal went. Here again, I think the only things you perceive as fact are the things that confirm what you want.
You and all the other have a right to believe what every you want to believe.
---Yes, we do. It’s just that simple, and that’s what’s been going on here.
I have no facts to stop Owens from getting my vote, but I do have facts about this government and the money wasted with MI. If facts come forward about Owens I can change my mind.
---We’ve covered that “fact” word enough, and we differ. If you really considered all the facts, you would know that Rhett Dusenbury doesn’t know the difference between a SAID bond and a BAIL bond. Does it not bother you at all if Owens was the instigator that resulted in the lawsuit Meadows won? Can you consider the stress, worry, money, and time spent by causing such a bogus mess? Being accused of stuff found to be totally false? I cannot appreciate your passion to elect who you think will do good, when you have no balancing passion to recognize ones who do wrong. I know you’re probably thinking “I am recognizing wrong.. by calling Mac wrong for his vote.” NO. I’m talking about the important wrong.. the character flaw wrong.. the throw everybody under to bus if necessary to save my ass and get what I want wrong.
I am and always will be for limited government and personal responsibility.
---Me too! The personal responsibility part would come in where you are supposed to discern that an honest, devoted person is the best choice. NOT one who uses his influence to elude and evade the law. NOT one who SHIRKS the personal responsibility you admire. NOT one who does whatever is needed to AVOID personal responsibility when he is in fear of being held accountable for breaking the law. I don’t give a rat’s rear if people play some poker for money, bet on a ballgame, wager on how many points will be scored. Who cares? If you want to do that .. fine! But when you start using your elected position to benefit your illegal activites, that’s wrong. Frank’s like a cat covering doodie. And he keeps a scratchin even when his friends are in the way. If he was elected again, what makes you think you won’t be the clod in the litter box when the outcome benefits Frank?
So if you think this is Ground Hog Day,so be it.
P.S OJ was not found innocent he was found not guilty. He got a trial and was later found guilty in civil trial.
---Nevermind responding to this bit. <>
Larry, just read this online and thought about you. "Light travels faster then sound, this is why some people appear bright until they speak"
Larry Gregory might not have 'facts' that prevent him from supporting his fellow 'conservative', Frank Owens, but, the rest of us do, provided by Jaime. At the end of her article, she wrote:
" At the police department, the specialized unit that worked with the ALE agents was immediately disbanded.
“They started systematically getting rid of people and demoting people after the FBI called off the investigation,” one former officer said. “It was systematic retaliation.”
One source said Owens approached Crone, telling him to terminate at least one of the officers involved. The Report asked Owens about that in an e-mail of questions sent on Oct. 16 and 17 to three different e-mail addresses he owns. To date, Owens has not responded to any of the questions.
We asked Owens to point out any discrepancies or possible misinformation in the detailed accounts provided by Report sources. He did not respond.
We asked him: if the police dispatcher had already provided him with the information he was seeking on the tag, why did he ask several other people to run the tag, too? Owens did not respond.
We asked Owens if he has ever been involved in illegal gambling in Mooresville and, if so, if he was involved while he was a police officer and/or a town commissioner. He did not respond.
We asked him if he was ever interviewed by the FBI while it was investigating him for public corruption. Owens did not respond.
We have offered, in another e-mail, to post his response(s) if he ever changes his mind."
Allegations and reported conversations aside, Frank Owens has yet to respond to any of this. Things that haven't been reported before. That's a fact.
How do you read everything and then blindly support the candidate? There are those who need to believe rather than learn and know.
Rhett Dusenbury called the rest of the board 'gutless' and referred to a 'progressive majority', not because any of them are gutless, or because there is actually a progressive majority, rather, because he believe what he said because anyone who doesn't agree with him is both gutless and progressive. Including the voters of Mooresville.
We elected our current board. We didn't elect them because they were gutless or all progressives.
I'm supporting Mac Herring and David Coble.
JAIME - I apologize for not spelling your name correctly earlier.. just noticed that. sorry! I'm well accustomed to seeing my name wrong too. :)
Hey, has there been any response, even if "no comment" from the questions you sent Owens?
No worries at all, Carole! I've gotten so used to it that sometimes, even *I* spell my name wrong! Ha!
I have not received a response at all from Owens.
Thank you, Jaime. It's safe to assume that Mr. Owens has received at least one of your requests. If not, his campaign supporter, Larry Gregory, is certainly in a position to make him aware of what's been posted and what Mooresville voters have finally been informed of.
Frank Owens is only running because he is power hungry. He thinks if he has some sort of title he will be a big man in town and continue his corrupt ways. Anyone that has grown up in Mooresville knows exactly what Frank Owens is about and truly how unintelligent he really is.
David Coble and Mac Herring will work with the board, the Mayor and the citizens of Mooresville to create jobs, improve our schools and control taxes.
The other two would sit in a corner, waving at Larry, and hold Tea Party meetings, dreaming of government shutdowns and bragging about not being sheep while the business of Mooresville was conducted; in spite of them.
They wouldn't buy MI, again. But, neither would anyone else.
I find it amusing that if most of the anonymous posters on this site had to reveal their true identities, Mr. Harwell would have a thriving business pursuing libel and slander lawsuits and counter lawsuits.
Having lived in Mooresville for quite some time I know several 'facts' about Frank Owens that makes him unfit for public office. Frank Owens is a liar, a cheat and truth be known just plain stupid. He is however very astute at using others to further his endeavors – which usually are illegal. He was useless as a police officer and only remained one because he was such a good Joe Knox ass –kisser. There wasn’t a fair election in Mooresville the whole time Joe Knox and his good ‘ole boys were in office. Joe had the keys to the ballot boxes until the state ordered all counties to oversee local elections. Joe Knox, Frank Owens, Danny Beaver and the whole bunch used the golf course as a means for illegal payments, bribes and extortion. I usually don’t make comments on what others have posted but this Larry Gregory must be a special kind of stupid to believe Frank Owens is anything but a liar, a thief and pardon the term a dumb ass. I just watched the video posted concerning Larry and its official – Larry is a dumb ass also. Thanks Jamie for your reporting on the town and it’s a shame people don’t you enough credit for the money you saved the people of Mooresville. Over the years you’ve been covering Mooresville your investigative stories have uncovered tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars of wasted tax payers money and you’ve probably prevented as much!
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