A recent poll shows nearly 80 percent of the local electorate believes the Titan America cement project will have a negative impact on New Hanover County, even if the company meets every state and federal permitting requirement.
But that information was omitted when the county posted a summary online last week of a recent county-funded survey.
A host of other issues were left out as well, including the measured public views of government corruption, illegal immigration and others.
Favorability ratings were also determined for all five commissioners and Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, but the exact figures were excluded from the summary. County officials said they were determining who would make the finest person to spearhead a drive in support of the quarter-cent sales tax referendum.
Deborah Butler, a candidate for county commissioner, and her campaign manager, Darla McGlamery, obtained a copy of the more than 300-page survey and made extras available to local media.
Officials today said the survey’s sole purpose was to gauge public perceptions of the quarter-cent sales tax referendum. But Butler and some other candidates for county commissioner have cried foul, saying the full survey should have been posted online and distributed to media.
Butler said the county cherry-picked what information they wanted to make public. She said it was inappropriate the county didn’t broadcast the entire survey given that an incumbent, commissioner Bill Caster, is seeking re-election. Candidates often pay big money for such telling data.
"If a sitting commissioner has it to the exclusion of everybody else, he has a valuable campaigning tool," Butler said. And, "If the media hasn’t been given this information, they’re not getting the whole picture."
Others felt the same.
"I think the entire thing should have been made public," said Sid Causey, the former sheriff-turned-commissioner candidate. "That’s taking stuff out of context. Lay it all out there and then let people decide."
"It should have been made more public but I don’t think it’s something they were trying to hide," said Charles Dorman, another candidate.
County officials said Caster wasn’t involved in planning or executing the poll.
Reached for comment on March 16, Caster said that while he was privy to the information, he didn’t know that only a portion had been posted online and distributed.
"All that wasn’t posted? I think it should have been," he said. "If the people running against me have the point of view that I got a free poll out of it, they’re right, and that shouldn’t have happened."
The county hired Capitol Communication to conduct the poll at a cost of $13,200, for a survey of 400 people.
Chris Coudriet, assistant county manager, said only senior county staff, a Capitol Communication consultant and two county commissioners, vice-chairman Jonathan Barfield and chairman Jason Thompson, were involved in developing questions.
Coudriet said it would have cost the same amount of money had they not polled perceptions about Titan, and illegal immigration, etcetera.
Asked why the other information wasn’t voluntarily made public, Coudriet said the entire document is available in the county manager’s office.
"It was summarized to speak to the intent of the survey, which is what the pulse of the community was regarding the quarter cent sales tax," he said.
Chairman Thompson said the poll was not political.
"If you read the poll, you’d clearly see that there’s no information a candidate could use in there to their benefit in a campaign," he said. "If they (the candidates) can’t find something better than that then they don’t need to be running for political office. They need to find an issue."
What wasn’t included in the online summary was that more people cited Titan, corruption and growth than they did crime, annexation or economic development as the single most important county issue.
As for approval ratings, nearly 40 percent of those polled have a favorable view of Thompson. Almost 15 percent have an unfavorable view; 32 percent have no opinion and 20 percent have never heard of him.
Commissioner Ted Davis got similar ratings: 32 percent have a favorable opinion, 15 percent have an unfavorable, 31.5 percent have no opinion and 21.5 percent have never heard of him.
The poll measured a 25.5 percent favorable rating for Barfield. Nearly 14 percent have an unfavorable opinion, 37 percent have no opinion and 23.5 percent have never heard of him.
As for Bobby Greer, 28 percent view him favorably; 22.5 percent unfavorably; 30 percent have no opinion and 19 percent have never heard of him.
Finally, 28 percent of those polled are favorable toward Caster; 26 percent unfavorable; 26 percent have no opinion and 20 percent have never heard of him.
--Brian Freskos
Friday, March 19, 2010
Fear and loathing on the campaign trail with Ilario Pantano
Ilario Pantano must’ve excelled in boot camp: his back is straight as a board. He talks fast, like a Gatling gun with infinite ammo (some of his buddies call him "Hurricane Ilario"). He’s quick, direct, articulate and approachable. His gaze is intense, leaving any audience tinged with his memory.
Pantano is one Republican contender attempting to unseat the seven-time North Carolina Democrat in the state’s 7th District, Congressman Mike McIntyre.
The Pantano campaign is now a full-time affair. And whether to his benefit or detriment, the retired Marine has name recognition: he gained the international spotlight when the government accused him of murder, and then later exonerated all charges for the shooting deaths of two Iraqis in Mahmudiya in 2004.
That experience left him scarred, Pantano says, but not broken. He has reshaped that baggage into a message that emphasizes his armed service. And he’s leveraged his experience as a former Goldman Sachs trader, small business owner and father, to underline a tough stance on greed, fiscal responsibility and conservatism.
His platform is comprised of three tiers: job creation and economic development, national security and conservative values.
It’s a message likely to ring the ears of far right Republicans hoping to capitalize on reports of disenchantment with the Democrats.
"To have two former military heroes running for Congress speaks well for our party, which is rooted in deep patriotism," said Sandy Best, the president of the Lower Cape Fear Republican Women’s Club, after meeting Pantano for the first time.
Also running against McIntyre are Will Breazeale, a three-time combat veteran, and Randy Crow.
At a club meeting on March 4 at Bluewater Restaurant in Wrightsville Beach, Best approached Pantano with a candid inquiry regarding the 2004 shooting incident.
Having read the Associated Press account of the shooting, published that morning, which included the fact that Pantano left a sign on the insurgent’s vehicle that read, "No better friend, no worse enemy," a famous Marine motto, Best asked, Why the sign?
He said that it’s difficult to understand from a spectator’s view the urgency, panic and hysteria of warfare.
"We think about it, act on it like it’s rational. But it is the most irrational part of humankind," he said.
Asked later if it’s a question posed frequently, Pantano replied, "Actually no...But it’s a totally legitimate question."
Within 10 minutes after meeting Best, Pantano had already shaken hands with dozens of other people amassed in the meeting room.
His scheduling manager, Ron Holmes, also a retired Marine, had to peel Pantano away so they would be on time for his final engagement of the night: speaking to a group of Wilmington firefighters in the Moose Lodge on Carolina Beach Road.
In that room of first-responders, seemingly awash in southern conservative ideals, Pantano struck their chord by highlighting his own Sept. 11 experience, support for gun rights and rolling back taxes.
Pantano even said he favors making English the nation’s official language.
When asked about his nationalism, Pantano likes to tell the story of his father, an Italian immigrant who moved to New York and worked in a comb factory in Spanish Harlem for a dollar an hour. Pantano seems proud that he never learned to speak Italian. The goal, he says, was to always speak English at home so his father would learn it.
Pantano jokes that he is a "born again southerner." He explains it like this: "I’m a self-hating New Yorker that has rejected the immorality and godlessness of where I was born to choose a place to raise my family." He moved to North Carolina in 2003.
Despite his conservative appeal, Pantano says he is not the typical Republican. In fact, he told Lumina News, he was a registered independent until recently.
In a county, that nearly always leans to red, Pantano could rise as a contender after the May 4 primary.
Either way, this election is wide-open, with no clear ending in sight.
--Brian Freskos
Pantano is one Republican contender attempting to unseat the seven-time North Carolina Democrat in the state’s 7th District, Congressman Mike McIntyre.
The Pantano campaign is now a full-time affair. And whether to his benefit or detriment, the retired Marine has name recognition: he gained the international spotlight when the government accused him of murder, and then later exonerated all charges for the shooting deaths of two Iraqis in Mahmudiya in 2004.
That experience left him scarred, Pantano says, but not broken. He has reshaped that baggage into a message that emphasizes his armed service. And he’s leveraged his experience as a former Goldman Sachs trader, small business owner and father, to underline a tough stance on greed, fiscal responsibility and conservatism.
His platform is comprised of three tiers: job creation and economic development, national security and conservative values.
It’s a message likely to ring the ears of far right Republicans hoping to capitalize on reports of disenchantment with the Democrats.
"To have two former military heroes running for Congress speaks well for our party, which is rooted in deep patriotism," said Sandy Best, the president of the Lower Cape Fear Republican Women’s Club, after meeting Pantano for the first time.
Also running against McIntyre are Will Breazeale, a three-time combat veteran, and Randy Crow.
At a club meeting on March 4 at Bluewater Restaurant in Wrightsville Beach, Best approached Pantano with a candid inquiry regarding the 2004 shooting incident.
Having read the Associated Press account of the shooting, published that morning, which included the fact that Pantano left a sign on the insurgent’s vehicle that read, "No better friend, no worse enemy," a famous Marine motto, Best asked, Why the sign?
He said that it’s difficult to understand from a spectator’s view the urgency, panic and hysteria of warfare.
"We think about it, act on it like it’s rational. But it is the most irrational part of humankind," he said.
Asked later if it’s a question posed frequently, Pantano replied, "Actually no...But it’s a totally legitimate question."
Within 10 minutes after meeting Best, Pantano had already shaken hands with dozens of other people amassed in the meeting room.
His scheduling manager, Ron Holmes, also a retired Marine, had to peel Pantano away so they would be on time for his final engagement of the night: speaking to a group of Wilmington firefighters in the Moose Lodge on Carolina Beach Road.
In that room of first-responders, seemingly awash in southern conservative ideals, Pantano struck their chord by highlighting his own Sept. 11 experience, support for gun rights and rolling back taxes.
Pantano even said he favors making English the nation’s official language.
When asked about his nationalism, Pantano likes to tell the story of his father, an Italian immigrant who moved to New York and worked in a comb factory in Spanish Harlem for a dollar an hour. Pantano seems proud that he never learned to speak Italian. The goal, he says, was to always speak English at home so his father would learn it.
Pantano jokes that he is a "born again southerner." He explains it like this: "I’m a self-hating New Yorker that has rejected the immorality and godlessness of where I was born to choose a place to raise my family." He moved to North Carolina in 2003.
Despite his conservative appeal, Pantano says he is not the typical Republican. In fact, he told Lumina News, he was a registered independent until recently.
In a county, that nearly always leans to red, Pantano could rise as a contender after the May 4 primary.
Either way, this election is wide-open, with no clear ending in sight.
--Brian Freskos
Fifty-three file for 15 seats
A few last minute candidates swept into the New Hanover County and North Carolina board of elections offices to file before the noon deadline on Feb. 26. With filing for the 2010 mid-terms officially finished, a string of incumbent retirements and the ballot packed with choices, the race looks wide open.
Highly contested primaries will whittle down the choices. One-stop primary voting begins on April 15, and the official primary day is
May 4. Election Day is Nov. 2.
U.S. Senate
Sen. Richard Burr is facing a contingent of challengers from within his own party and the rivaling Democrats. In addition to Burr, primary choices for Congress on the Republican side will include Larry Linney, Brad Jones and Eddie Burks.
For the Democrats, Marcus W. Williams, Ann Worthy, Elaine Marshall, Ken Lewis, Susan Harris and Cal Cunningham are running.
Also running is Libertarian Michael Beitler.
Only one candidate from each party can advance onto the November elections ballot.
U.S. House
Rep. Mike McIntyre won’t face any challenge from within his own party, but three Republicans will vie for a shot at his seat: Ilario Gregory Pantano, Randy Crow and Will Breazeale.
Julia Boseman’s District 9 State Senate seat
Julia Boseman’s (D-New Hanover) soon-to-be-vacated state senate seat has driven three candidates to declare. A Republican primary will choose between Michael Lee and Thom Goolsby, while a lone democrat, Jim Leutze, advances in November.
Hughes bows out of House District 18
Rep. Sandra Spaulding Hughes is also bowing out and four candidates have already stepped in to bid on her seat: Beth Dawson and
J. Michael Hutson, both Republicans; and James Utley and Susi Hamilton, both Democrats. Only one candidate from each party will advance after the May primary.
Carolyn Justice vies to remain in House District 16
Incumbent Rep. Carolyn Justice (R) will face a challenger, Frank Rivenbark, a Democrat.
McComas and David aren’t going anywhere
Rep. Danny McComas is running unopposed in district 19, as is District Attorney Ben David.
County Commissioner race wide-open
The retirement of Commissioner Bobby Greer after five elected terms in office has given the Democrats a solid chance at changing the make-up of a board that has been traditionally stocked with Republicans.
With two vacancies, Democrats have put forward four candidates: Deborah Butler, Dale Smith, Tom Gale and Sid Causey, former county sheriff.
Several Republicans have also stepped forward including incumbent Bill Caster, Justin Harris, Rick Catlin, Charles Dorman, Justin LaNasa, Brian Berger and Napier Fuller.
Two candidates from each party will be chosen through the primary process and advance to the November ballot.
McMahon gets challenged for sheriff
Sheriff Ed McMahon (D), who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by former sheriff Sid Causey, will be challenged by Republican Marcus T. Benson.
Clerk of Superior Court
Incumbent Brenda Tucker has stepped aside. Lillian Salcines Bright (D) and Jan Kennedy (R) have declared their bids.
Board of Education
No primary will be held for Democrats with four candidates running for the four open seats, but there will be a big one for Republicans. All four school board incumbents are running for re-election: Nick Rhodes, Democrat, as well as Edward Higgins, Janice Cavenaugh and Don Hayes, all Republican.
Joining them will be Democrats Wm. Clancy Thompson, Philip Stine and Joyce Huguelet; and Republicans Derrick Hickey, Steven Bilzi, Stephanie Kraybill, Julia Davis and Laura Parks.
-- Brian Freskos
Highly contested primaries will whittle down the choices. One-stop primary voting begins on April 15, and the official primary day is
May 4. Election Day is Nov. 2.
U.S. Senate
Sen. Richard Burr is facing a contingent of challengers from within his own party and the rivaling Democrats. In addition to Burr, primary choices for Congress on the Republican side will include Larry Linney, Brad Jones and Eddie Burks.
For the Democrats, Marcus W. Williams, Ann Worthy, Elaine Marshall, Ken Lewis, Susan Harris and Cal Cunningham are running.
Also running is Libertarian Michael Beitler.
Only one candidate from each party can advance onto the November elections ballot.
U.S. House
Rep. Mike McIntyre won’t face any challenge from within his own party, but three Republicans will vie for a shot at his seat: Ilario Gregory Pantano, Randy Crow and Will Breazeale.
Julia Boseman’s District 9 State Senate seat
Julia Boseman’s (D-New Hanover) soon-to-be-vacated state senate seat has driven three candidates to declare. A Republican primary will choose between Michael Lee and Thom Goolsby, while a lone democrat, Jim Leutze, advances in November.
Hughes bows out of House District 18
Rep. Sandra Spaulding Hughes is also bowing out and four candidates have already stepped in to bid on her seat: Beth Dawson and
J. Michael Hutson, both Republicans; and James Utley and Susi Hamilton, both Democrats. Only one candidate from each party will advance after the May primary.
Carolyn Justice vies to remain in House District 16
Incumbent Rep. Carolyn Justice (R) will face a challenger, Frank Rivenbark, a Democrat.
McComas and David aren’t going anywhere
Rep. Danny McComas is running unopposed in district 19, as is District Attorney Ben David.
County Commissioner race wide-open
The retirement of Commissioner Bobby Greer after five elected terms in office has given the Democrats a solid chance at changing the make-up of a board that has been traditionally stocked with Republicans.
With two vacancies, Democrats have put forward four candidates: Deborah Butler, Dale Smith, Tom Gale and Sid Causey, former county sheriff.
Several Republicans have also stepped forward including incumbent Bill Caster, Justin Harris, Rick Catlin, Charles Dorman, Justin LaNasa, Brian Berger and Napier Fuller.
Two candidates from each party will be chosen through the primary process and advance to the November ballot.
McMahon gets challenged for sheriff
Sheriff Ed McMahon (D), who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by former sheriff Sid Causey, will be challenged by Republican Marcus T. Benson.
Clerk of Superior Court
Incumbent Brenda Tucker has stepped aside. Lillian Salcines Bright (D) and Jan Kennedy (R) have declared their bids.
Board of Education
No primary will be held for Democrats with four candidates running for the four open seats, but there will be a big one for Republicans. All four school board incumbents are running for re-election: Nick Rhodes, Democrat, as well as Edward Higgins, Janice Cavenaugh and Don Hayes, all Republican.
Joining them will be Democrats Wm. Clancy Thompson, Philip Stine and Joyce Huguelet; and Republicans Derrick Hickey, Steven Bilzi, Stephanie Kraybill, Julia Davis and Laura Parks.
-- Brian Freskos
Friday, February 19, 2010
Candidates file, election issues surface and campaigns begin
This story first appeared on LuminaNews.com on Feb. 8
As the candidates for New Hanover County commissioner lined up on Monday, Feb. 8 to file their bids, each expressed confidence in his or her ability to affect change. In fact, “optimistic” and “change” were words tossed repeatedly toward a crowd of supporters swarming outside of the board of elections office.
But change what? With a depressed economic environment enduring, budgeting and spending were two issues candidates repeatedly referred to as in need of change, forecasting what is likely to become a major campaign topic.
Other issues surfaced too. Such as the one put forward by Democrat Deborah Butler, the first candidate in line to file and the only female to so far publicize an election bid. She expressed a need for diversity, a fresh voice from outside the mainstream to balance a board comprised of long-standing political veterans.
As a political newbie, Butler hopes her fresh perspective will appeal to voters and indeed it may. But she, like other Democrats this year, is facing an uphill battle vying for a board traditionally comprised of Republicans.
She's optimistic. As is Dale Smith, the second Democrat to file early Monday.
"It's time for a change in leadership," he said while waiting for the elections office to open. "We need to be more future oriented and more effective in planning. We need to be leaders for all the people in the county."
Jonathan Barfield, the only sitting Democrat on the board of county commissioners, endorsed Smith’s candidacy Monday, adding clout to his campaign.
“I understand that the tools (Smith) has in his tool box are the right tools for New Hanover County,” Barfield said. “It’s about having the right person on the bus.”
Without a third Democrat filing for two open seats, the party’s commissioner primary in May will be largely strategic—an attempt to keep its candidates at the public forefront, Butler said.
While Butler and Smith made an early showing, no one candidate for commissioner brought the entourage like Wrightsville Beach resident and Republican Rick Catlin. Surrounded by a throng of merry supporters, Catlin, with a firm smile, laid out a platform that seeks to strike a balance between business, the environment and quality of life.
He said that as a business owner and a member of the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission, he's been molding that balance for the last 20 years.
Calling on the budget, Catlin stressed the county "needs a business-sense candidate."
"We have a great chance to make a difference," he said.
Again, by expressing a need for change, Catlin's stance mirrors that of one of his contenders, Jason Harris, a Republican candidate for commissioner deeply concerned about what he termed the county’s boom-bust cycle.
"I've been watching the boom-bust over the last several years, and as a financial planner, I feel like I can work with budgets, build consensus ... and lend expertise," he said after filing.
Charles “Chuckie D.” Dorman was the third Republican to file Monday. His candidacy, he said, is less about partisanship and more about policy.
"I'm not running for the party. I'm running for the people—the small business people," he said in a conversation with a supporter outside the elections office.
Dorman said he is running for the soon-to-be vacated seat of Bobby Greer. He said he wants the other incumbent, Bill Caster, to stay on board.
Caster, the five-term commissioner, and Justin LaNasa, both Republicans, filed Tuesday for county commission.
New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon (D) also filed on Feb. 8 for Sheriff in what will be his first election and following additional candidates have also filed: Frank Rivenbark for N.C. House District 16; Beth Dawson (R) for N.C. House District 18; Lillian Bright (D) and Jan Kennedy (R) for Clerk of Superior Court; and Nick Rhodes (D), Edward Higgins (R), Janice Cavenaugh (R), Derrick Hickey (R) and Don Hayes (R) for Board of Education.
The filing period ends on Feb. 26.
Brian Freskos
As the candidates for New Hanover County commissioner lined up on Monday, Feb. 8 to file their bids, each expressed confidence in his or her ability to affect change. In fact, “optimistic” and “change” were words tossed repeatedly toward a crowd of supporters swarming outside of the board of elections office.
But change what? With a depressed economic environment enduring, budgeting and spending were two issues candidates repeatedly referred to as in need of change, forecasting what is likely to become a major campaign topic.
Other issues surfaced too. Such as the one put forward by Democrat Deborah Butler, the first candidate in line to file and the only female to so far publicize an election bid. She expressed a need for diversity, a fresh voice from outside the mainstream to balance a board comprised of long-standing political veterans.
As a political newbie, Butler hopes her fresh perspective will appeal to voters and indeed it may. But she, like other Democrats this year, is facing an uphill battle vying for a board traditionally comprised of Republicans.
She's optimistic. As is Dale Smith, the second Democrat to file early Monday.
"It's time for a change in leadership," he said while waiting for the elections office to open. "We need to be more future oriented and more effective in planning. We need to be leaders for all the people in the county."
Jonathan Barfield, the only sitting Democrat on the board of county commissioners, endorsed Smith’s candidacy Monday, adding clout to his campaign.
“I understand that the tools (Smith) has in his tool box are the right tools for New Hanover County,” Barfield said. “It’s about having the right person on the bus.”
Without a third Democrat filing for two open seats, the party’s commissioner primary in May will be largely strategic—an attempt to keep its candidates at the public forefront, Butler said.
While Butler and Smith made an early showing, no one candidate for commissioner brought the entourage like Wrightsville Beach resident and Republican Rick Catlin. Surrounded by a throng of merry supporters, Catlin, with a firm smile, laid out a platform that seeks to strike a balance between business, the environment and quality of life.
He said that as a business owner and a member of the Port, Waterway and Beach Commission, he's been molding that balance for the last 20 years.
Calling on the budget, Catlin stressed the county "needs a business-sense candidate."
"We have a great chance to make a difference," he said.
Again, by expressing a need for change, Catlin's stance mirrors that of one of his contenders, Jason Harris, a Republican candidate for commissioner deeply concerned about what he termed the county’s boom-bust cycle.
"I've been watching the boom-bust over the last several years, and as a financial planner, I feel like I can work with budgets, build consensus ... and lend expertise," he said after filing.
Charles “Chuckie D.” Dorman was the third Republican to file Monday. His candidacy, he said, is less about partisanship and more about policy.
"I'm not running for the party. I'm running for the people—the small business people," he said in a conversation with a supporter outside the elections office.
Dorman said he is running for the soon-to-be vacated seat of Bobby Greer. He said he wants the other incumbent, Bill Caster, to stay on board.
Caster, the five-term commissioner, and Justin LaNasa, both Republicans, filed Tuesday for county commission.
New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon (D) also filed on Feb. 8 for Sheriff in what will be his first election and following additional candidates have also filed: Frank Rivenbark for N.C. House District 16; Beth Dawson (R) for N.C. House District 18; Lillian Bright (D) and Jan Kennedy (R) for Clerk of Superior Court; and Nick Rhodes (D), Edward Higgins (R), Janice Cavenaugh (R), Derrick Hickey (R) and Don Hayes (R) for Board of Education.
The filing period ends on Feb. 26.
Brian Freskos
Elections turn the tide across New Hanover County
Nov. 5, 2009
An anti-incumbent sentiment swept across New Hanover and Brunswick counties during Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3, as a swath of elected officials either relinquished their seats or were pushed out by the electorate.
Approximately 77 percent of incumbents in New Hanover County were upset by newcomers, meaning that two-out-of-three positions up for grabs on city and town councils will be filled with fresh faces and new ideas beginning with swearing-in ceremonies this December.
In Brunswick County, 69 officials were up for re-election, but only 39—or 57 percent—held onto their seats.
Pender County figures were less surprising. About 66 percent of officials up for re-election will keep their positions. A few of the races in Pender were uncontested and a contingent of officials voluntarily relinquished their positions.
Election officials and observers racked their brains as the results poured into the Board of Elections headquarters off Racine Drive around 8:30 p.m. on Election Day.
"Incumbents tend to get punished in economic downturns," Roger Lowery, chair of the public and international affairs department at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, said after the election. "We certainly have a record economic downturn in the state and nation. The fact that we see this pattern in this election is certainly no surprise."
Lowery argued that Wilmington voters had been turned-off to incumbents by perceived mismanagement of government affairs, specifically citing the continuing controversy milling around the new hotel and convention center.
For other incumbents on the ballot in 2010, their political future will likely depend on the future of the economy and whether it has regained momentum, Lowery said.
"The crystal ball is cloudy," he added.
Voter turnout across New Hanover County hovered around 20 percent, with an average turnout of 18 percent in Wilmington.
Kure Beach, where the race was hotly contested, received an impressive turnout of 43 percent.
A slightly higher than average turnout—35 percent—in Wrightsville Beach likely boosted mayor-elect David Cignotti (438 votes), who beat-out incumbent Stephen Whalen (372), ushering in a contemporary era of leadership that signals a transformation of the status quo.
Whalen sharply refused Wednesday to comment on the outcome.
Bonnie Williams, director of the New Hanover County Board of Elections, said four provisional ballots were cast for Wrightsville offices—not enough to cover the Cignotti-Whalen spread.
Cignotti acknowledged in an interview Wednesday that he gathered overwhelming support from middle-aged and young voters, a subsection that proved itself as an influential base.
Voter turnout was of fundamental importance to the Cignotti camp, which formed an open government ticket with the candidacies of Bill Sisson (373) and Walter DeVries (263).
Foreshadowing the strength of high voter-turnout, DeVries conducted numerous get-out-vote drives, targeting specific subsections of the population and employing innovative campaign methods to pass his message, rallying support for his running mates but failing to garner the support he needed to win a seat for himself.
Susan Howell Collins earned 459 votes, learning from her defeat two years ago to campaign like the native daughter of Wrightsville Beach that she is, knocking on every door and personally placing more than 700 phone calls to her prospective constituents.
The defeat of incumbent Ed Miastkowski (312), after 16 years on the board of aldermen—one of the longest serving in Wrightsville’s history—will upset many of his faithful supporters.
New-kid-on-the-block James Smith (134) arrived in fifth, despite conspicuous attendance at public meetings and aggressive aims at building name recognition.
On Wednesday, Cignotti said he would start his tenure by forming a strong relationship between board members, a task he deemed a top priority.
There was also a surprising turn of events in Wilmington. City council was shaken by the return of former city council member Charlie Rivenbark (5,221), council’s top vote-getter; and fresh face Kevin O’Grady (4,399), who managed to pull ahead of incumbent Margaret Haynes (4,311).
Tuesday night, election officials estimated that there were roughly 56 provisional ballots to be considered, meaning it will be almost impossible for Haynes to climb ahead of O’Grady, who won by 88 votes.
It was unclear Wednesday whether Haynes would have qualified for a runoff had city council not voted—at her behest—to do away with runoff elections beginning in 2009.
Mayor Bill Saffo (8,368) was reelected over Paul Knight (5,329).
City councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Jim Quinn (3,489) finished with an upsetting 9 percent of the vote and will have to give up his seat in December.
City councilman Earl Sheridan (5,170) was also reelected, coming in a close second behind Rivenbark.
Official results will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Brian Freskos
An anti-incumbent sentiment swept across New Hanover and Brunswick counties during Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3, as a swath of elected officials either relinquished their seats or were pushed out by the electorate.
Approximately 77 percent of incumbents in New Hanover County were upset by newcomers, meaning that two-out-of-three positions up for grabs on city and town councils will be filled with fresh faces and new ideas beginning with swearing-in ceremonies this December.
In Brunswick County, 69 officials were up for re-election, but only 39—or 57 percent—held onto their seats.
Pender County figures were less surprising. About 66 percent of officials up for re-election will keep their positions. A few of the races in Pender were uncontested and a contingent of officials voluntarily relinquished their positions.
Election officials and observers racked their brains as the results poured into the Board of Elections headquarters off Racine Drive around 8:30 p.m. on Election Day.
"Incumbents tend to get punished in economic downturns," Roger Lowery, chair of the public and international affairs department at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, said after the election. "We certainly have a record economic downturn in the state and nation. The fact that we see this pattern in this election is certainly no surprise."
Lowery argued that Wilmington voters had been turned-off to incumbents by perceived mismanagement of government affairs, specifically citing the continuing controversy milling around the new hotel and convention center.
For other incumbents on the ballot in 2010, their political future will likely depend on the future of the economy and whether it has regained momentum, Lowery said.
"The crystal ball is cloudy," he added.
Voter turnout across New Hanover County hovered around 20 percent, with an average turnout of 18 percent in Wilmington.
Kure Beach, where the race was hotly contested, received an impressive turnout of 43 percent.
A slightly higher than average turnout—35 percent—in Wrightsville Beach likely boosted mayor-elect David Cignotti (438 votes), who beat-out incumbent Stephen Whalen (372), ushering in a contemporary era of leadership that signals a transformation of the status quo.
Whalen sharply refused Wednesday to comment on the outcome.
Bonnie Williams, director of the New Hanover County Board of Elections, said four provisional ballots were cast for Wrightsville offices—not enough to cover the Cignotti-Whalen spread.
Cignotti acknowledged in an interview Wednesday that he gathered overwhelming support from middle-aged and young voters, a subsection that proved itself as an influential base.
Voter turnout was of fundamental importance to the Cignotti camp, which formed an open government ticket with the candidacies of Bill Sisson (373) and Walter DeVries (263).
Foreshadowing the strength of high voter-turnout, DeVries conducted numerous get-out-vote drives, targeting specific subsections of the population and employing innovative campaign methods to pass his message, rallying support for his running mates but failing to garner the support he needed to win a seat for himself.
Susan Howell Collins earned 459 votes, learning from her defeat two years ago to campaign like the native daughter of Wrightsville Beach that she is, knocking on every door and personally placing more than 700 phone calls to her prospective constituents.
The defeat of incumbent Ed Miastkowski (312), after 16 years on the board of aldermen—one of the longest serving in Wrightsville’s history—will upset many of his faithful supporters.
New-kid-on-the-block James Smith (134) arrived in fifth, despite conspicuous attendance at public meetings and aggressive aims at building name recognition.
On Wednesday, Cignotti said he would start his tenure by forming a strong relationship between board members, a task he deemed a top priority.
There was also a surprising turn of events in Wilmington. City council was shaken by the return of former city council member Charlie Rivenbark (5,221), council’s top vote-getter; and fresh face Kevin O’Grady (4,399), who managed to pull ahead of incumbent Margaret Haynes (4,311).
Tuesday night, election officials estimated that there were roughly 56 provisional ballots to be considered, meaning it will be almost impossible for Haynes to climb ahead of O’Grady, who won by 88 votes.
It was unclear Wednesday whether Haynes would have qualified for a runoff had city council not voted—at her behest—to do away with runoff elections beginning in 2009.
Mayor Bill Saffo (8,368) was reelected over Paul Knight (5,329).
City councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Jim Quinn (3,489) finished with an upsetting 9 percent of the vote and will have to give up his seat in December.
City councilman Earl Sheridan (5,170) was also reelected, coming in a close second behind Rivenbark.
Official results will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Brian Freskos
Monday, November 02, 2009
Wrightsville pilots cost-saving voting program
Wrightsville Beach is a coastal community in which people are generally concerned
about impacts on the environment, so its no wonder why even the town polling place will be a little greener than the rest of the county.
Wrightsville Beach is the only municipality in New Hanover County—and one of a handful across the state—to pilot a new voting system that will save the board of elections time and money, lead to increased accuracy, and is environmentally friendly, said an elections official.
The Onsite Voter Registration Database acts as an electronic poll-book, where software on a laptop computer allows the poll-worker to look the voter up electronically and print their authorization to vote form on site, said Michelle Mrozkowski, information systems technician at the county board of elections.
Usually, the board has to prepare for a 100 percent turnout, meaning it has to keep paper forms in case every single voter in Wrightsville Beach comes to the polls. In off-year elections, turnout is generally low; in the 2007 election cycle in Wrightsville it was about 33 percent. Low turnout translates into masses of wasted paper, stored for a specified period of time before being incinerated.
Currently, these leftover pollbooks are being housed at the main branch of the New Hanover County Library on Chestnut Street.
Onsite electronic registration also leads to increased accuracy, Mrozkowski stated, because voter history is recorded electronically and can be quickly uploaded, as opposed to being entered by humans who are known to make mistakes.
If this method expands across the entire county, it could significantly drive down the cost of printing and curb the election board’s expenses. There is an initial investment in placing laptops and printers in every precinct throughout the county, but the benefits would eventually pay for themselves.
—Brian Freskos
about impacts on the environment, so its no wonder why even the town polling place will be a little greener than the rest of the county.
Wrightsville Beach is the only municipality in New Hanover County—and one of a handful across the state—to pilot a new voting system that will save the board of elections time and money, lead to increased accuracy, and is environmentally friendly, said an elections official.
The Onsite Voter Registration Database acts as an electronic poll-book, where software on a laptop computer allows the poll-worker to look the voter up electronically and print their authorization to vote form on site, said Michelle Mrozkowski, information systems technician at the county board of elections.
Usually, the board has to prepare for a 100 percent turnout, meaning it has to keep paper forms in case every single voter in Wrightsville Beach comes to the polls. In off-year elections, turnout is generally low; in the 2007 election cycle in Wrightsville it was about 33 percent. Low turnout translates into masses of wasted paper, stored for a specified period of time before being incinerated.
Currently, these leftover pollbooks are being housed at the main branch of the New Hanover County Library on Chestnut Street.
Onsite electronic registration also leads to increased accuracy, Mrozkowski stated, because voter history is recorded electronically and can be quickly uploaded, as opposed to being entered by humans who are known to make mistakes.
If this method expands across the entire county, it could significantly drive down the cost of printing and curb the election board’s expenses. There is an initial investment in placing laptops and printers in every precinct throughout the county, but the benefits would eventually pay for themselves.
—Brian Freskos
Friday, October 30, 2009
Cignotti-Sission-DeVries ticket upfront and open with voters
David Cignotti, candidate for Wrightsville Beach mayor, and Bill Sisson and Walter DeVries, candidates for the board of aldermen, have participated in numerous meet-and-greets with Wrightsville Beach voters. The most recent of which was at 22 North late Thursday night, Oct. 29, where everyone flashing an I Voted sticker was invited to attend for a “thank you for voting” soiree.
Each one of these meet-the-candidate opportunities represents a unique aspect of the small-town campaigns: the ability of each and every voter to meet their community’s potential leaders.
At a similar event earlier this month, voters milled about the dimmed lights of King Neptune, expressing their support for the three candidates, mostly because of what they called the candidates’ approachable personality and tough stance on key issues.
“They want to improve the quality of our life here downtown,” said Tim Taylor, a local resident and a supporter of the Cignotti-Sisson-DeVries (CSD) ticket.
Taylor cited what he perceives to be the newly formed dangers posed by patrons of the downtown bar district and the proposed solutions that the CSD ticket offers.
“It’s not the same town that it used to be,” Taylor added. “We need to let them (tourists) know that they’re welcome here but they need to respect it.”
Taylor’s words echoed what has become DeVries’ campaign slogan: “Share our beach, yes, but abuse it, no!”
Taylor told a story that’s heard all too frequently from the people who live downtown. Often, Taylor said, he wakes up to find bags of trash in his yard and beer bottles strewn about his driveway.
He believes Wrightsville Beach needs leaders with fresh ideas. He wants politicians who can instill a sense of safety back into the bar district while maintaining the robust economic generator.
DeVries has put forward ideas like putting police officers on Segways and increasing foot patrols to create a bigger presence.
Cignotti says that if elected mayor he will push for holding homeowners who rent to unruly tenants accountable, issuing citations to people who blatantly ignore ordinances and increasing foot-patrols and cameras.
Abbott Shea, a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and resident of Wrightsville Beach, has been urging other young people in the community to register and vote. He too was found in King Neptune that night, voicing his all-out support for the CSD ticket.
He said that he was first turned-on to the CSD ticket when Cignotti and Sisson approached him and introduced themselves, showing Shea that they wanted to open a line of communication.
“If I have a problem, then I want to be able to approach them and be taken seriously,” he said. “If we have to live by the rules made by the powers that be then we have to decide who the powers that be are.”
—Brian Freskos
Each one of these meet-the-candidate opportunities represents a unique aspect of the small-town campaigns: the ability of each and every voter to meet their community’s potential leaders.
At a similar event earlier this month, voters milled about the dimmed lights of King Neptune, expressing their support for the three candidates, mostly because of what they called the candidates’ approachable personality and tough stance on key issues.
“They want to improve the quality of our life here downtown,” said Tim Taylor, a local resident and a supporter of the Cignotti-Sisson-DeVries (CSD) ticket.
Taylor cited what he perceives to be the newly formed dangers posed by patrons of the downtown bar district and the proposed solutions that the CSD ticket offers.
“It’s not the same town that it used to be,” Taylor added. “We need to let them (tourists) know that they’re welcome here but they need to respect it.”
Taylor’s words echoed what has become DeVries’ campaign slogan: “Share our beach, yes, but abuse it, no!”
Taylor told a story that’s heard all too frequently from the people who live downtown. Often, Taylor said, he wakes up to find bags of trash in his yard and beer bottles strewn about his driveway.
He believes Wrightsville Beach needs leaders with fresh ideas. He wants politicians who can instill a sense of safety back into the bar district while maintaining the robust economic generator.
DeVries has put forward ideas like putting police officers on Segways and increasing foot patrols to create a bigger presence.
Cignotti says that if elected mayor he will push for holding homeowners who rent to unruly tenants accountable, issuing citations to people who blatantly ignore ordinances and increasing foot-patrols and cameras.
Abbott Shea, a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and resident of Wrightsville Beach, has been urging other young people in the community to register and vote. He too was found in King Neptune that night, voicing his all-out support for the CSD ticket.
He said that he was first turned-on to the CSD ticket when Cignotti and Sisson approached him and introduced themselves, showing Shea that they wanted to open a line of communication.
“If I have a problem, then I want to be able to approach them and be taken seriously,” he said. “If we have to live by the rules made by the powers that be then we have to decide who the powers that be are.”
—Brian Freskos
Finance reports reveal big spending
The committee to elect Alderman David Cignotti for mayor has been pumped full of cash. Cignotti is the only candidate in Wrightsville Beach who has reported spending of more than $3,000 on campaigning for office.
Actually, he is the only candidate among all the beach towns in New Hanover County to exceed the $3,000 threshold set by state law.
Basically, the threshold law stipulates that if any candidate wants to spend more than $3,000, they have to file a report with the New Hanover County Board of Elections and are subject to update that report periodically.
According to finance reports filed with the board of elections office on Oct. 26, the committee to elect David Cignotti has spent a total $4,908.66 for campaign-related expenditures.
During the first of two disclosure periods to date—from July 17 to Sept. 22—the committee doled out more than $3,308.
Expenditures during that period, according to finance reports, included $475.48 for 100 yard signs, $625 for 750 campaign Koozies, $89.95 for 100 bumper stickers, $69.81 for a banner sign, $395.62 for 36 T-shirts, $1,599 for 1600 mailers, and a small number of in-kind contributions and reimbursements.
During the second disclosure period, Sept. 23 to Oct. 19, Cignotti received 14 individual donations totaling $1,115, or roughly $40 a day, according to finance reports.
All those who donated $100 or more are residents in Wrightsville Beach, including Lois DeVries, the wife of alderman candidate Walter DeVries, who donated $100 to Cignotti’s committee, finance reports indicate.
At the close of the second filing period, reports indicated that Cignotti still had $2,232.54 cash on hand.
The fact that Cignotti has spent so much on his campaign will undoubtedly boost his numbers in the polls come Nov. 3. He’s strengthened his name recognition and clarified his position on a number of issues, but there are still disadvantages that will have to be overcome in the polling place.
His competition, incumbent Stephen Whalen, has the name recognition and is banking on the town’s successes of the past two years, typical of any incumbent candidate. He also appears to have toned down his infamous tangents, a quality that has unequivocally branded him with a bad reputation and possibly damaged his appeal to some voters.
Whalen said after he announced his reelection bid in July that he would likely exceed that $3,000 threshold, but to date, has yet to do so, despite sending out several mailers and planting numerous yard signs around town.
Some of Cignotti’s spending seemed strategic.
Koozies, for example, will likely appeal to the younger voters who seem to be a sturdy base of Cignotti support. Even though this block tends to vote in small numbers in off-year elections like this one, Cignotti’s ability to rally the youth may give him enough votes to inch ahead of his competition.
Small town elections like the one in Wrightsville Beach can often be decided by a single vote.
It will be exciting to see how the tide turns on Election Night.
—Brian Freskos
Actually, he is the only candidate among all the beach towns in New Hanover County to exceed the $3,000 threshold set by state law.
Basically, the threshold law stipulates that if any candidate wants to spend more than $3,000, they have to file a report with the New Hanover County Board of Elections and are subject to update that report periodically.
According to finance reports filed with the board of elections office on Oct. 26, the committee to elect David Cignotti has spent a total $4,908.66 for campaign-related expenditures.
During the first of two disclosure periods to date—from July 17 to Sept. 22—the committee doled out more than $3,308.
Expenditures during that period, according to finance reports, included $475.48 for 100 yard signs, $625 for 750 campaign Koozies, $89.95 for 100 bumper stickers, $69.81 for a banner sign, $395.62 for 36 T-shirts, $1,599 for 1600 mailers, and a small number of in-kind contributions and reimbursements.
During the second disclosure period, Sept. 23 to Oct. 19, Cignotti received 14 individual donations totaling $1,115, or roughly $40 a day, according to finance reports.
All those who donated $100 or more are residents in Wrightsville Beach, including Lois DeVries, the wife of alderman candidate Walter DeVries, who donated $100 to Cignotti’s committee, finance reports indicate.
At the close of the second filing period, reports indicated that Cignotti still had $2,232.54 cash on hand.
The fact that Cignotti has spent so much on his campaign will undoubtedly boost his numbers in the polls come Nov. 3. He’s strengthened his name recognition and clarified his position on a number of issues, but there are still disadvantages that will have to be overcome in the polling place.
His competition, incumbent Stephen Whalen, has the name recognition and is banking on the town’s successes of the past two years, typical of any incumbent candidate. He also appears to have toned down his infamous tangents, a quality that has unequivocally branded him with a bad reputation and possibly damaged his appeal to some voters.
Whalen said after he announced his reelection bid in July that he would likely exceed that $3,000 threshold, but to date, has yet to do so, despite sending out several mailers and planting numerous yard signs around town.
Some of Cignotti’s spending seemed strategic.
Koozies, for example, will likely appeal to the younger voters who seem to be a sturdy base of Cignotti support. Even though this block tends to vote in small numbers in off-year elections like this one, Cignotti’s ability to rally the youth may give him enough votes to inch ahead of his competition.
Small town elections like the one in Wrightsville Beach can often be decided by a single vote.
It will be exciting to see how the tide turns on Election Night.
—Brian Freskos
My Thoughts October 22, 2009
Less than a dozen days are all that remain until this year’s election Nov. 3.
Thankfully, this year is a far cry from the turbulent elections of the past when no stone was left unturned digging for dirt on candidates. Mud slinging puts the media in an uncomfortable spot, because once a fact is brought into the light of day, the duty to the reader is to investigate and report it.
Wilmington held its two candidate forums in the preceding weeks and the worst to come out of that was a question about multiple marriages.
Wrightsville’s candidates’ forum brought to life by the members of the town’s merchants association took place Tuesday night. The merchants association is filling a vacuum created by a chamber of commerce that may have lost its way.
Moderated by UNCW Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo, the forum was a snappy affair until right at the end when it disintegrated into pontificating on the part of not only the questioners from the audience, but several of the candidates responding to questions, unrestrained as they were by the time keeper. Elected officials need never forget that no one likes the sound of your voice as much as you do!
Lumina News does not endorse candidates, feeling every voter has a duty to make an informed choice as to which candidate would best represent them as an elected official. Too often endorsements reek of cronyism, hidden agendas and the inappropriate wielding of power.
Several of the candidates hold differing views, as was evidenced by their answers to forum questions. Anyone attending or watching the video, filmed in its entirety by volunteers from One Tree Hill, should be able to make a choice between those running.
This is the first time in a number of years in which candidates appear to be aligning with others to form some sort of slate. True or not, the old guard will certainly be pleased with how well their candidates preformed. As will be the younger edgier voter, however we will take the liberty of warning against the pitfalls of lumping candidates together.
Rather, each should be analyzed based on his or her own performance. His or her own words. Points can be deducted for the reading of answers prepared in advance. If a candidate can’t be prepared enough for a forum to speak from the heart, how will they handle voting on issues, where thinking clearly and sorting through facts as they are revealed, is mandatory?
Word comes this week of a separate mayoral forum which never really got off the ground. Given just 11 days notice, incumbent Steve Whalen cited schedule conflict as his reason for declining to participate, which killed it. Too bad for David Cignotti, and while this had potential to be explosive, fur most certainly would have flown, based on their track record of communicating — or lack of it this past two years, not having to attend another event here at the end of the month is a blessing.
The forum didn’t hold a lot of surprises except perhaps the number who are in favor of a smoke free beach strand. Just one candidate, Susan Collins went on the record as being against it. She also voted against a litter ordinance. Collins joined Whalen and Ed Miastkowski in voting no to televising town meetings.
It was no surprise water quality, the budget and public safety topped the ticket for discussion. As did recycling.
Crime was a hot topic, along with the downtown business district which can dissolve into near chaos between 12 and 2 am on any given weekends. When a question was posed from the floor by downtown resident Tim Taylor, two incumbents, Whalen and Miastkowski actually seemed to be clueless of how desperate this situation is.
For those in denial that a crisis exists, Miastkowski’s off hand remark that police officers are reluctant to patrol more on foot because they don’t want to leave their cars due to the damage that could occur at the hands of those in the street, was all telling.
It left me thinking if deplorable behavior, not to mention a good portion of the crime goes down between 12 and 2 am, why not, as Collins said, close the bars at midnight like the old days, and get these people off the streets? But that’s a choice made in Raleigh, not here.
One of the good things to come out of the night may be a stepped up effort to get a magistrate assigned to this area. Not having one available when an arrest is made is a large negative.
The candidates were split on who would support rezoning commercial property to more valuable residential, a harbinger of doom for many. Voting yes were, Jim Smith, Ed Miastkowski, Walt DeVires, and Susan Collins. Both mayoral candidates and Bill Sisson voted no.
De Vries is raising the issue of potential voter fraud. He, Cignotti and sent campaign mailings to more than 1,600 households in Wrightsville Beach. Three hundred of those mailings from each did not reach their intended addresses, either because the person moved, had no forwarding address, the address was insufficient or the residence was vacant. Some have out-of-state forwarding addresses in places like Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont and Wisconsin, but a majority of them were in Wilmington.
There’s no question we need stronger proof of residency when voting. In a town where each votes counts, that has the very real potential to make a difference.
Find a sample ballot on our Web site, or come by the office, we’ll print you one.
Pat Bradford
Thankfully, this year is a far cry from the turbulent elections of the past when no stone was left unturned digging for dirt on candidates. Mud slinging puts the media in an uncomfortable spot, because once a fact is brought into the light of day, the duty to the reader is to investigate and report it.
Wilmington held its two candidate forums in the preceding weeks and the worst to come out of that was a question about multiple marriages.
Wrightsville’s candidates’ forum brought to life by the members of the town’s merchants association took place Tuesday night. The merchants association is filling a vacuum created by a chamber of commerce that may have lost its way.
Moderated by UNCW Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo, the forum was a snappy affair until right at the end when it disintegrated into pontificating on the part of not only the questioners from the audience, but several of the candidates responding to questions, unrestrained as they were by the time keeper. Elected officials need never forget that no one likes the sound of your voice as much as you do!
Lumina News does not endorse candidates, feeling every voter has a duty to make an informed choice as to which candidate would best represent them as an elected official. Too often endorsements reek of cronyism, hidden agendas and the inappropriate wielding of power.
Several of the candidates hold differing views, as was evidenced by their answers to forum questions. Anyone attending or watching the video, filmed in its entirety by volunteers from One Tree Hill, should be able to make a choice between those running.
This is the first time in a number of years in which candidates appear to be aligning with others to form some sort of slate. True or not, the old guard will certainly be pleased with how well their candidates preformed. As will be the younger edgier voter, however we will take the liberty of warning against the pitfalls of lumping candidates together.
Rather, each should be analyzed based on his or her own performance. His or her own words. Points can be deducted for the reading of answers prepared in advance. If a candidate can’t be prepared enough for a forum to speak from the heart, how will they handle voting on issues, where thinking clearly and sorting through facts as they are revealed, is mandatory?
Word comes this week of a separate mayoral forum which never really got off the ground. Given just 11 days notice, incumbent Steve Whalen cited schedule conflict as his reason for declining to participate, which killed it. Too bad for David Cignotti, and while this had potential to be explosive, fur most certainly would have flown, based on their track record of communicating — or lack of it this past two years, not having to attend another event here at the end of the month is a blessing.
The forum didn’t hold a lot of surprises except perhaps the number who are in favor of a smoke free beach strand. Just one candidate, Susan Collins went on the record as being against it. She also voted against a litter ordinance. Collins joined Whalen and Ed Miastkowski in voting no to televising town meetings.
It was no surprise water quality, the budget and public safety topped the ticket for discussion. As did recycling.
Crime was a hot topic, along with the downtown business district which can dissolve into near chaos between 12 and 2 am on any given weekends. When a question was posed from the floor by downtown resident Tim Taylor, two incumbents, Whalen and Miastkowski actually seemed to be clueless of how desperate this situation is.
For those in denial that a crisis exists, Miastkowski’s off hand remark that police officers are reluctant to patrol more on foot because they don’t want to leave their cars due to the damage that could occur at the hands of those in the street, was all telling.
It left me thinking if deplorable behavior, not to mention a good portion of the crime goes down between 12 and 2 am, why not, as Collins said, close the bars at midnight like the old days, and get these people off the streets? But that’s a choice made in Raleigh, not here.
One of the good things to come out of the night may be a stepped up effort to get a magistrate assigned to this area. Not having one available when an arrest is made is a large negative.
The candidates were split on who would support rezoning commercial property to more valuable residential, a harbinger of doom for many. Voting yes were, Jim Smith, Ed Miastkowski, Walt DeVires, and Susan Collins. Both mayoral candidates and Bill Sisson voted no.
De Vries is raising the issue of potential voter fraud. He, Cignotti and sent campaign mailings to more than 1,600 households in Wrightsville Beach. Three hundred of those mailings from each did not reach their intended addresses, either because the person moved, had no forwarding address, the address was insufficient or the residence was vacant. Some have out-of-state forwarding addresses in places like Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont and Wisconsin, but a majority of them were in Wilmington.
There’s no question we need stronger proof of residency when voting. In a town where each votes counts, that has the very real potential to make a difference.
Find a sample ballot on our Web site, or come by the office, we’ll print you one.
Pat Bradford
Aldermen, mayoral candidates jockey for public support during merchant forum
Candidates for Wrightsville Beach public office weighed in on the issues at a public forum hosted by the Wrightsville Beach Merchants Association at the Blockade Runner Resort on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo, University of North Carolina Wilmington, moderated the two-hour panel which included mayoral candidates, Alderman David Cignotti and incumbent Mayor Stephen Whalen; with aldermen candidates Susan Howell Collins, Walter DeVries, incumbent Ed Miastkowski, Dr. Bill Sisson and James Smith.
When Wrightsville Beach voters go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, they will vote for one mayor and two aldermen.
Water quality, public safety and the town’s operating budget all drew equal attention from the seven candidates when asked what they thought were the most important issues facing the town.
The WBMA, who solicited input from other organizations like the Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Harbor Island Garden Club and the Surfrider Foundation, framed additional questions that allowed the candidates to respond to other hot-button items, like crime; recycling; town-subsidized sanitation service; the pros and cons of permitted events; the pros and cons of a trolley service to the beach; and support for the proposed bike path and the possible future of a skateboard park.
Several candidates seemed to gravitate toward the same responses. Mayor Whalen, Alderman Miastkowski and candidate Collins all voice opposition to a skate board park citing problems experienced by Carolina Beach. Candidate Smith noted that skate parks are huge and would require paving a large portion of the island, but candidate Sisson said local kids need something to do.
“What’s happened in other places is not necessarily going to happen here,” Sisson said.
Candidate DeVries favored advisory referendums allowing the residents to vote and Alderman Cignotti also favored public input.
Whalen, Miastkowski and Collins also sided over televised or Internet-streamed town meetings, each stating no; and were in accord again when they voted no to relaxed parking restrictions for businesses.
All favored increasing parking fees in already metered spaces; and all but Collins voted yes to increased litter fines and the enforcement of a smoke-free beach strand. Only Cignotti said maybe regarding the installation of surveillance cameras at Johnnie Mercer’s Pier; and Cignotti, Whalen and Sisson voted no to the idea of rezoning commercial property to residential.
These questions were asked early in the forum during a speed round that DePaolo said gave everyone an overview of the candidates’ positions.
Mayor Whalen’s position seemed to be grounded in the town’s achievements during his first two-year term, yet when given the chance to address a hypothetical situation: assuming the economy does not recover next year, what are your thoughts in raising taxes, raising parking fees, eliminating services and cutting non-essential town employees? Whalen said he did not have an answer.
“I think we have to address it when the time comes and understand that decisions that we make are decisions made by the board, they’re not made just by the mayor.”
Cignotti said he believed that a property tax increase was going to occur in order to pay the debt service on the public safety facility and that an increase in parking fees was already on the table.
“The elimination of services and non-essential employees probably could be on the table depending on what the budget looks like,” Cignotti said. He favored a budget review partnership with UNCW, neighboring beach towns and the county which receives 87 percent of Wrightsville’s tax dollars.
Other new ideas were expressed by Smith who advocated for the installation of bio-retention ponds near asphalt parking lots to mitigate windborne debris entering recreational waters, specifically cigarette butts. Smith also favored instituting a return on recycled plastic bottles to encourage residents and visitors to comply with new legislation banning the disposal of plastics into the landfill, and said he had discussed with Sen. Julia Boseman (D-New Hanover) the possibility of placing locks on boat bilge pumps. Collins said she had discussed with Rep. Danny McComas (R-District 19) the possibility of funding a discharge boat that would collect sewage from moored boats.
Only two questions were fielded from the audience. One from Keith Norris, owner of Vito’s Pizzeria who asked if the candidates perceived the downtown district as the bar district? The other from Tim Taylor, a downtown resident, asked what the candidates would do to address safety issues in the downtown area between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m.
Smith favored a task force; Sisson the involvement of all the stakeholders; and Miastkowski more police on foot and in plain clothes. Collins advocated for closing the bars at midnight and said the young people and visitors should not be running the town. DeVries stated the problem was alcohol; Whalen agreed and Cignotti favored the adoption and enforcement of a nuisance ordinance and stepped up communication among bar owners and town officials.
“If you’re thrown out of a bar, you’re put in a cab and sent off our beach,” he said.
The forum was videoed in its entirety and will be available on LuminaNews.com
Marimar McNaughton
Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo, University of North Carolina Wilmington, moderated the two-hour panel which included mayoral candidates, Alderman David Cignotti and incumbent Mayor Stephen Whalen; with aldermen candidates Susan Howell Collins, Walter DeVries, incumbent Ed Miastkowski, Dr. Bill Sisson and James Smith.
When Wrightsville Beach voters go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, they will vote for one mayor and two aldermen.
Water quality, public safety and the town’s operating budget all drew equal attention from the seven candidates when asked what they thought were the most important issues facing the town.
The WBMA, who solicited input from other organizations like the Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Harbor Island Garden Club and the Surfrider Foundation, framed additional questions that allowed the candidates to respond to other hot-button items, like crime; recycling; town-subsidized sanitation service; the pros and cons of permitted events; the pros and cons of a trolley service to the beach; and support for the proposed bike path and the possible future of a skateboard park.
Several candidates seemed to gravitate toward the same responses. Mayor Whalen, Alderman Miastkowski and candidate Collins all voice opposition to a skate board park citing problems experienced by Carolina Beach. Candidate Smith noted that skate parks are huge and would require paving a large portion of the island, but candidate Sisson said local kids need something to do.
“What’s happened in other places is not necessarily going to happen here,” Sisson said.
Candidate DeVries favored advisory referendums allowing the residents to vote and Alderman Cignotti also favored public input.
Whalen, Miastkowski and Collins also sided over televised or Internet-streamed town meetings, each stating no; and were in accord again when they voted no to relaxed parking restrictions for businesses.
All favored increasing parking fees in already metered spaces; and all but Collins voted yes to increased litter fines and the enforcement of a smoke-free beach strand. Only Cignotti said maybe regarding the installation of surveillance cameras at Johnnie Mercer’s Pier; and Cignotti, Whalen and Sisson voted no to the idea of rezoning commercial property to residential.
These questions were asked early in the forum during a speed round that DePaolo said gave everyone an overview of the candidates’ positions.
Mayor Whalen’s position seemed to be grounded in the town’s achievements during his first two-year term, yet when given the chance to address a hypothetical situation: assuming the economy does not recover next year, what are your thoughts in raising taxes, raising parking fees, eliminating services and cutting non-essential town employees? Whalen said he did not have an answer.
“I think we have to address it when the time comes and understand that decisions that we make are decisions made by the board, they’re not made just by the mayor.”
Cignotti said he believed that a property tax increase was going to occur in order to pay the debt service on the public safety facility and that an increase in parking fees was already on the table.
“The elimination of services and non-essential employees probably could be on the table depending on what the budget looks like,” Cignotti said. He favored a budget review partnership with UNCW, neighboring beach towns and the county which receives 87 percent of Wrightsville’s tax dollars.
Other new ideas were expressed by Smith who advocated for the installation of bio-retention ponds near asphalt parking lots to mitigate windborne debris entering recreational waters, specifically cigarette butts. Smith also favored instituting a return on recycled plastic bottles to encourage residents and visitors to comply with new legislation banning the disposal of plastics into the landfill, and said he had discussed with Sen. Julia Boseman (D-New Hanover) the possibility of placing locks on boat bilge pumps. Collins said she had discussed with Rep. Danny McComas (R-District 19) the possibility of funding a discharge boat that would collect sewage from moored boats.
Only two questions were fielded from the audience. One from Keith Norris, owner of Vito’s Pizzeria who asked if the candidates perceived the downtown district as the bar district? The other from Tim Taylor, a downtown resident, asked what the candidates would do to address safety issues in the downtown area between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m.
Smith favored a task force; Sisson the involvement of all the stakeholders; and Miastkowski more police on foot and in plain clothes. Collins advocated for closing the bars at midnight and said the young people and visitors should not be running the town. DeVries stated the problem was alcohol; Whalen agreed and Cignotti favored the adoption and enforcement of a nuisance ordinance and stepped up communication among bar owners and town officials.
“If you’re thrown out of a bar, you’re put in a cab and sent off our beach,” he said.
The forum was videoed in its entirety and will be available on LuminaNews.com
Marimar McNaughton
Candidates for mayor, alderman, to square off on issues
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Wrightsville Beach Merchants Association will host a public candidates’ forum moderated by University of North Carolina Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo.
Seven contenders have been invited to square off on the issues. Of these, two mayoral candidates, represented by incumbent Mayor Stephen Whalen and Alderman David Cignotti, will position themselves for the town’s highest office in the first contested mayor’s race since 2005.
Two seats will also open for a four-year term on the Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen. Five candidates have filed for those positions: Susan Howell Collins, Walt De Vries, incumbent Ed Miastkowski, Bill Sisson and Jim Smith.
Lumina News invited each of the alderman candidates to supply answers to the following five questions. The first four responses have been reprinted in alphabetical order with the candidates’ permission in alphabetical order:
Susan Howell Collins, 59, lifelong resident of Wrightsville Beach
Schooling: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Offices served: Vice-chairman of the Wrightsville Beach Planning Board currently serving second 2-year term
Profession: Licensed paralegal; administrator of Collins & Collins Law Firm, PLLC.
Walter De Vries, 79, 37-year resident of Wrightsville Beach
Schooling: M.A. and Ph.D. in social psychology and political science from Michigan State University, Harvard University post-graduate fellow.
Offices served: Executive assistant to Governor George Romney; elected Republican delegate to the Michigan Constitutional Convention; former special assistant to the chancellor at UNCW.
Profession: Army veteran, political author, former professor, president of De Vries & Associates, Inc., (a campaign consulting firm) and former director of the N.C. Institute of Political Leadership.
Bill Sisson, 61, 11-year Wrightsville Beach resident
Schooling: B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University; M.A in Latin American studies and M.A. in urban planning from UCLA; Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West.
Offices served: New Hanover County Commissioner 1992-1996; New Hanover County Planning Board; Wrightsville Beach Planning Board.
Profession: chiropractic physician
Jim Smith, 52, 5-year resident of Wrightsville Beach
Schooling: B.S. Engineering and Architectural from Perdue University.
Offices served: Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Charlotte Smart Growth Committee and Urban Land Institute
Profession: Real Estate Development
Question No. 1
Many people we have spoken with recently would like to see a unified approach to local government that respects its residents and property owners; its visiting public; and its employees.
a. If elected, how are you going to build a coalition to achieve common goals?
b. Describe your management style.
Collins: The board’s responsibility is to determine and prioritize the needs of the community. Regard and respect of board members and their opinions is necessary. Open communications using residents’ input should be practiced by aldermen. My style, serving on the WB planning board four years, is building consensus to make united decisions. Hours are spent reading legal documents that pertain to permitting, zoning and ordinances. Understanding and editing legal documents is a daily skill in my present position. My diligence in managing time is an asset to the council, as well as streamlining time spent in discussions at meetings.
DeVries: This is an election about the next four years. Just look at the candidate's answers to these questions and you will see who has the most specific and thoughtful answers. Support those candidates you know can work together and are positive.
I know how to bring government officials and staffs together and did so for 14 years. When I was the executive assistant to Michigan Governor George Romney, my job was to coordinate the state cabinet and make the 130 state agencies, boards and commissions work together in our administration. I listened, examined options and then recommended decisive actions to the Governor; and I was placed in charge of reorganizing … the 130 agencies into 20 principal departments. Government reorganization, like management, is not easy but it can be done. I like to break issues down like this: State the problem, then outline your philosophy about handling it (i.e., solve by government, private organizations or enterprise action) and, finally, outline your program to handle the problem. One more comment: we have a town manager who should administer our town--not the board of alderman who need to make policy.
Sisson: First I assume we are all there to serve the community. I have ideas of my own but I tend to seek out points of agreement with my colleagues and build solutions based on those points. I learned when I was a county commissioner that you can get an awful lot done by working with people rather than against them.
My management style is to include those around me in decisions, to respect their opinions and the information they provide, and then make my decisions having considered this along with other information I have. I guess you could call this team building.
Smith: Communication and teamwork is key. We are all working on a common goal—providing the best services at a reasonable cost while preserving and enhancing our quality of life (upholding the Community Vision Statement). We will have differences of opinion in how to achieve this best. We need to create among the newly formed board a creed by which to govern in which we agree when we disagree to conduct ourselves in a professional, non-personal manner. If something is bothering us about a fellow alderman then darn it—discuss it. It’s kindergarten 101—respect, play nice, work hard, like what you are doing, have fun. What’s wrong with a good debate?
I have one boss, and that is the residents. I have one report, and that is the town manager. I manage from the bottom up—that is I seek out their needs and wants and balance that with budget constraints while continuing to provide for core needs. I seek out advice from those smarter than me to make educated decisions. Teamwork is key while providing the town manager and staff the support they need to do their job to the best of their ability. Manage by wandering around. Meet, discuss, gather ideas and concerns.
Question No. 2
The town’s fiscal year budget for 2010-2011 will have to increase substantially to offset the expense of funding the first payment on the new public safety building.
a. What is your plan for increasing revenue to offset this expense?
b. With the county tax revaluation effective in the same fiscal year, do you have the courage to also raise town property taxes if necessary?
Collins: The town’s revenue will have to increase to pay for the public safety building. Our board approved this significant expenditure and it will be the new council’s responsibility to pay the ongoing expense (approximately $500,000 annually). This council must be diligent and wise in other related expenses because of our present economic position. Tax re-evaluation is necessary to bring properties back to appropriate values. Our tax rate will have to adjust to meet our budget needs.
DeVries: Honestly, where can you go but to increase property taxes? Courage has nothing to do with it. This last board leaves the new 2010 Board with no options. We have no choice but to increase property taxes and have no say about it.
Sisson: I believe we should pay as we go. I like the idea of fee for service income versus general tax increases. Where the town can increase fees it should. Parking may be one of the areas where this will be possible. If we have to tap the reserve fund it should only be as a last resort.
No one wants to raise property taxes. I hate them because they are regressive, but the state does not give us a choice. The public safety building is a done deal. We will have to pay for it and that may mean raising taxes.
Smith: We need to run the town like a business. We have a product to sell. Implement a user fee and in-lieu-of fee schedule. My program regarding these fees could bring in as much as $60,000 per year. I would increase parking fees to $12/day and at the same time renegotiate our agreement with Lanier. Total income with both plans $200,000 or $65 average tax savings per property. Use a contract employee expert for grant applications.
I will strive very hard to keep any increase to a bare minimum.
Question No. 3
Employee moral reportedly dipped last year when the town staff suffered personnel cuts: a hiring freeze, no merit increases and radical changes to employee health insurance benefits. What would you suggest to improve employee morale?
Collins: Employee morale is important and produces quality work outflow. Respect and pride in our workplace with positive input from staff and management is a must. When merit raises are not received by deserving employees, other rewards/honors must take place. Early leave times should be rotated and lunches provided by community and businesses.
DeVries: Do we really know what employee morale is? Have we ever surveyed them to find out how they feel? Right now the board needs to restore their merit pay increases and repair the damage done to health benefits. Chief Carey told me that some police officers, in order to get health insurance for their families, must personally pay $200 a week! I understand that these decisions were made by the BOA in a severe economic downturn, but now conditions are better and changes can be made
Sisson: We start with the board letting the employees know how much we value them for doing their jobs with less and for less than they are worth. But we must begin to restore cuts they have endured. Otherwise we will lose good employees the moment another good offer comes along.
Smith: We must be competitive with salaries and benefits. It is often a false economic formula when we lose quality people and have to replace them.
Question No. 4
To balance the 2209-2010, there was no money earmarked for capital improvements in the 2009-2010 budget. What would you do to amend this situation over the next four-year term?
Collins: Money earmarked for improvements has come from excess tax revenues when economic times were at their peak. No money was marked for capital improvements this year because revenue producing activities were down. It will be necessary to place enough revenue from impact fees and permit fees in the CIP to fund our future budget needs.
DeVries: I have studied the rank order of the capital improvements and it seems to me that beach renourishment recommendations are critical and should be funded now and in the next four years. The same should be said for water quality proposals. Too often, the town has put off needed maintenance and capital needs only to find that had these appropriations made earlier would have saved a lot of money. We need to get away from "crisis management" and start taking planning for the future seriously.
Sisson: Capital improvements cannot be ignored. The longer you put them off the more expensive they become. We have to begin setting portions of the budget aside to fund these projects - cleaning up our waters and beach strand and ensuring beach renourishment cannot wait.
Smith: Combine the expenses of the new safety building, salary and benefit issues, and capital improvement issues with decreased funding from various sources, a tax increase is inevitable. However, it will be my job to help keep any necessary increase to a bare minimum.
Question No. 5
Wrightsville Beach hosts one million visitors each summer impacting public parking, public safety and sanitation.
a. How do you rank these three in order of importance and why?
b. How would you improve your No. 1 choice?
Collins: Our sanitation issues need immediate attention! Waterways testing with high levels of bacteria, beaches that are polluted with trash and storm water runoff draining into Banks Channel are problems affecting all citizens. The “no discharge legislation” is our first step to encourage people to be responsible boaters. Our new WB boat should be used to issue warnings and fines. Our stormwater management is a first step for Wrightsville Beach. Storm water drains and pipes that run into Banks Channel should be improved. Systems of filtration are necessary for the health, safety and welfare of visitors and residents. It is a continuing effort to educate beach visitors of the dangers to our turtle and bird nesting areas when they litter. We cannot relax while litter destroys wildlife at our wonderful family beach. Public safety is not in crisis, according to Police Chief Carey but requires constant attention. Public parking is a continuing problem for citizens since our town has no property for expansion.
DeVries: Public safety, public parking, sanitation. Would you walk around this beach after dark? My wife and I have lived here 37 years and in the l970s and l980s we would have walked the streets on this island without fear. But, in the 1990s and 2000s, no way; and some candidates say we don't have a public safety problem!
I strongly believe when you increase police presence, you quickly see a decrease in bad behavior (drunkenness, assault, vagrancy, burglary, noise, profane language and, yes, even violations by boat owners). We need more police presence now.
Sisson: Public safety - sanitation and public parking. Public safety must be the first priority of any government – but it cannot be separated from a clean environment. Crime is more likely where it looks like the citizens don’t respect their own town. A dirty beach and dirty streets convey this impression as do closed swimming areas. Handling the boat-related sewage problem dovetails with improving public safety and using our police boat to enforce the no dumping zone. Parking is a long-standing problem and there seems to be no immediate on-site solution.
More active citizen and business involvement with law enforcement makes officers’ jobs easier. The same goes for fire prevention and ocean rescue. The aldermen should personally facilitate this effort. Our officers should enforce the no discharge zone as well as other ordinances that protect the environment.
Smith: Safety—residents and tourists must be provided a safe environment to maintain our quality of life. Sanitation—our water and water quality is the reason we want to live and recreate here. Parking—is more of a convenience than a necessity like No.1 and No.2.
Offer competitive salaries and benefits to continue to recruit the “A Team.” Careful consideration needs to be given to adding police as well as addressing the magistrate situation.
Brian Freskos and Marimar McNaughton
Seven contenders have been invited to square off on the issues. Of these, two mayoral candidates, represented by incumbent Mayor Stephen Whalen and Alderman David Cignotti, will position themselves for the town’s highest office in the first contested mayor’s race since 2005.
Two seats will also open for a four-year term on the Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen. Five candidates have filed for those positions: Susan Howell Collins, Walt De Vries, incumbent Ed Miastkowski, Bill Sisson and Jim Smith.
Lumina News invited each of the alderman candidates to supply answers to the following five questions. The first four responses have been reprinted in alphabetical order with the candidates’ permission in alphabetical order:
Susan Howell Collins, 59, lifelong resident of Wrightsville Beach
Schooling: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Offices served: Vice-chairman of the Wrightsville Beach Planning Board currently serving second 2-year term
Profession: Licensed paralegal; administrator of Collins & Collins Law Firm, PLLC.
Walter De Vries, 79, 37-year resident of Wrightsville Beach
Schooling: M.A. and Ph.D. in social psychology and political science from Michigan State University, Harvard University post-graduate fellow.
Offices served: Executive assistant to Governor George Romney; elected Republican delegate to the Michigan Constitutional Convention; former special assistant to the chancellor at UNCW.
Profession: Army veteran, political author, former professor, president of De Vries & Associates, Inc., (a campaign consulting firm) and former director of the N.C. Institute of Political Leadership.
Bill Sisson, 61, 11-year Wrightsville Beach resident
Schooling: B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University; M.A in Latin American studies and M.A. in urban planning from UCLA; Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West.
Offices served: New Hanover County Commissioner 1992-1996; New Hanover County Planning Board; Wrightsville Beach Planning Board.
Profession: chiropractic physician
Jim Smith, 52, 5-year resident of Wrightsville Beach
Schooling: B.S. Engineering and Architectural from Perdue University.
Offices served: Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Charlotte Smart Growth Committee and Urban Land Institute
Profession: Real Estate Development
Question No. 1
Many people we have spoken with recently would like to see a unified approach to local government that respects its residents and property owners; its visiting public; and its employees.
a. If elected, how are you going to build a coalition to achieve common goals?
b. Describe your management style.
Collins: The board’s responsibility is to determine and prioritize the needs of the community. Regard and respect of board members and their opinions is necessary. Open communications using residents’ input should be practiced by aldermen. My style, serving on the WB planning board four years, is building consensus to make united decisions. Hours are spent reading legal documents that pertain to permitting, zoning and ordinances. Understanding and editing legal documents is a daily skill in my present position. My diligence in managing time is an asset to the council, as well as streamlining time spent in discussions at meetings.
DeVries: This is an election about the next four years. Just look at the candidate's answers to these questions and you will see who has the most specific and thoughtful answers. Support those candidates you know can work together and are positive.
I know how to bring government officials and staffs together and did so for 14 years. When I was the executive assistant to Michigan Governor George Romney, my job was to coordinate the state cabinet and make the 130 state agencies, boards and commissions work together in our administration. I listened, examined options and then recommended decisive actions to the Governor; and I was placed in charge of reorganizing … the 130 agencies into 20 principal departments. Government reorganization, like management, is not easy but it can be done. I like to break issues down like this: State the problem, then outline your philosophy about handling it (i.e., solve by government, private organizations or enterprise action) and, finally, outline your program to handle the problem. One more comment: we have a town manager who should administer our town--not the board of alderman who need to make policy.
Sisson: First I assume we are all there to serve the community. I have ideas of my own but I tend to seek out points of agreement with my colleagues and build solutions based on those points. I learned when I was a county commissioner that you can get an awful lot done by working with people rather than against them.
My management style is to include those around me in decisions, to respect their opinions and the information they provide, and then make my decisions having considered this along with other information I have. I guess you could call this team building.
Smith: Communication and teamwork is key. We are all working on a common goal—providing the best services at a reasonable cost while preserving and enhancing our quality of life (upholding the Community Vision Statement). We will have differences of opinion in how to achieve this best. We need to create among the newly formed board a creed by which to govern in which we agree when we disagree to conduct ourselves in a professional, non-personal manner. If something is bothering us about a fellow alderman then darn it—discuss it. It’s kindergarten 101—respect, play nice, work hard, like what you are doing, have fun. What’s wrong with a good debate?
I have one boss, and that is the residents. I have one report, and that is the town manager. I manage from the bottom up—that is I seek out their needs and wants and balance that with budget constraints while continuing to provide for core needs. I seek out advice from those smarter than me to make educated decisions. Teamwork is key while providing the town manager and staff the support they need to do their job to the best of their ability. Manage by wandering around. Meet, discuss, gather ideas and concerns.
Question No. 2
The town’s fiscal year budget for 2010-2011 will have to increase substantially to offset the expense of funding the first payment on the new public safety building.
a. What is your plan for increasing revenue to offset this expense?
b. With the county tax revaluation effective in the same fiscal year, do you have the courage to also raise town property taxes if necessary?
Collins: The town’s revenue will have to increase to pay for the public safety building. Our board approved this significant expenditure and it will be the new council’s responsibility to pay the ongoing expense (approximately $500,000 annually). This council must be diligent and wise in other related expenses because of our present economic position. Tax re-evaluation is necessary to bring properties back to appropriate values. Our tax rate will have to adjust to meet our budget needs.
DeVries: Honestly, where can you go but to increase property taxes? Courage has nothing to do with it. This last board leaves the new 2010 Board with no options. We have no choice but to increase property taxes and have no say about it.
Sisson: I believe we should pay as we go. I like the idea of fee for service income versus general tax increases. Where the town can increase fees it should. Parking may be one of the areas where this will be possible. If we have to tap the reserve fund it should only be as a last resort.
No one wants to raise property taxes. I hate them because they are regressive, but the state does not give us a choice. The public safety building is a done deal. We will have to pay for it and that may mean raising taxes.
Smith: We need to run the town like a business. We have a product to sell. Implement a user fee and in-lieu-of fee schedule. My program regarding these fees could bring in as much as $60,000 per year. I would increase parking fees to $12/day and at the same time renegotiate our agreement with Lanier. Total income with both plans $200,000 or $65 average tax savings per property. Use a contract employee expert for grant applications.
I will strive very hard to keep any increase to a bare minimum.
Question No. 3
Employee moral reportedly dipped last year when the town staff suffered personnel cuts: a hiring freeze, no merit increases and radical changes to employee health insurance benefits. What would you suggest to improve employee morale?
Collins: Employee morale is important and produces quality work outflow. Respect and pride in our workplace with positive input from staff and management is a must. When merit raises are not received by deserving employees, other rewards/honors must take place. Early leave times should be rotated and lunches provided by community and businesses.
DeVries: Do we really know what employee morale is? Have we ever surveyed them to find out how they feel? Right now the board needs to restore their merit pay increases and repair the damage done to health benefits. Chief Carey told me that some police officers, in order to get health insurance for their families, must personally pay $200 a week! I understand that these decisions were made by the BOA in a severe economic downturn, but now conditions are better and changes can be made
Sisson: We start with the board letting the employees know how much we value them for doing their jobs with less and for less than they are worth. But we must begin to restore cuts they have endured. Otherwise we will lose good employees the moment another good offer comes along.
Smith: We must be competitive with salaries and benefits. It is often a false economic formula when we lose quality people and have to replace them.
Question No. 4
To balance the 2209-2010, there was no money earmarked for capital improvements in the 2009-2010 budget. What would you do to amend this situation over the next four-year term?
Collins: Money earmarked for improvements has come from excess tax revenues when economic times were at their peak. No money was marked for capital improvements this year because revenue producing activities were down. It will be necessary to place enough revenue from impact fees and permit fees in the CIP to fund our future budget needs.
DeVries: I have studied the rank order of the capital improvements and it seems to me that beach renourishment recommendations are critical and should be funded now and in the next four years. The same should be said for water quality proposals. Too often, the town has put off needed maintenance and capital needs only to find that had these appropriations made earlier would have saved a lot of money. We need to get away from "crisis management" and start taking planning for the future seriously.
Sisson: Capital improvements cannot be ignored. The longer you put them off the more expensive they become. We have to begin setting portions of the budget aside to fund these projects - cleaning up our waters and beach strand and ensuring beach renourishment cannot wait.
Smith: Combine the expenses of the new safety building, salary and benefit issues, and capital improvement issues with decreased funding from various sources, a tax increase is inevitable. However, it will be my job to help keep any necessary increase to a bare minimum.
Question No. 5
Wrightsville Beach hosts one million visitors each summer impacting public parking, public safety and sanitation.
a. How do you rank these three in order of importance and why?
b. How would you improve your No. 1 choice?
Collins: Our sanitation issues need immediate attention! Waterways testing with high levels of bacteria, beaches that are polluted with trash and storm water runoff draining into Banks Channel are problems affecting all citizens. The “no discharge legislation” is our first step to encourage people to be responsible boaters. Our new WB boat should be used to issue warnings and fines. Our stormwater management is a first step for Wrightsville Beach. Storm water drains and pipes that run into Banks Channel should be improved. Systems of filtration are necessary for the health, safety and welfare of visitors and residents. It is a continuing effort to educate beach visitors of the dangers to our turtle and bird nesting areas when they litter. We cannot relax while litter destroys wildlife at our wonderful family beach. Public safety is not in crisis, according to Police Chief Carey but requires constant attention. Public parking is a continuing problem for citizens since our town has no property for expansion.
DeVries: Public safety, public parking, sanitation. Would you walk around this beach after dark? My wife and I have lived here 37 years and in the l970s and l980s we would have walked the streets on this island without fear. But, in the 1990s and 2000s, no way; and some candidates say we don't have a public safety problem!
I strongly believe when you increase police presence, you quickly see a decrease in bad behavior (drunkenness, assault, vagrancy, burglary, noise, profane language and, yes, even violations by boat owners). We need more police presence now.
Sisson: Public safety - sanitation and public parking. Public safety must be the first priority of any government – but it cannot be separated from a clean environment. Crime is more likely where it looks like the citizens don’t respect their own town. A dirty beach and dirty streets convey this impression as do closed swimming areas. Handling the boat-related sewage problem dovetails with improving public safety and using our police boat to enforce the no dumping zone. Parking is a long-standing problem and there seems to be no immediate on-site solution.
More active citizen and business involvement with law enforcement makes officers’ jobs easier. The same goes for fire prevention and ocean rescue. The aldermen should personally facilitate this effort. Our officers should enforce the no discharge zone as well as other ordinances that protect the environment.
Smith: Safety—residents and tourists must be provided a safe environment to maintain our quality of life. Sanitation—our water and water quality is the reason we want to live and recreate here. Parking—is more of a convenience than a necessity like No.1 and No.2.
Offer competitive salaries and benefits to continue to recruit the “A Team.” Careful consideration needs to be given to adding police as well as addressing the magistrate situation.
Brian Freskos and Marimar McNaughton
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Ed Miastkowski goes on record to address Wrightsville Beach issues
Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen incumbent Ed Miastkowski acknowledged that it is difficult to contact him via telephone or e-mail. To obtain that admission, Miastkowski was approached on Thursday, Sept. 24, following a town meeting, and asked to sit down for an interview after the meeting which had been packed with individuals who represented two sides of a yet-to-be resolved issue that encompasses the South Lumina Avenue traffic pattern between the 500-700 block.
The issue had evolved into an emotional confrontation between both sides, with proponents of change citing what they claim to be safety issues along the one block thoroughfare from Sprunt Street to the Hanover Seaside Club.
At the meeting, the board of aldermen (BOA) tabled the issue, deciding to delve deeper into whether the safety factors need improving in the area in question.
Miastkowski used the public’s division as a platform to say that he often seeks the public’s opinion.
He is likely the longest serving alderman in the history of Wrightsville Beach, first elected in 1993, winning by smooth margins every four years since.
According to the candidate, the support of his right-wing conservative decision-making is slipping away, due to the fact that “all the old people are dying and moving,” he said.
Miastkowski, 68, said that a majority of his support is came from citizens of his generation—people who may view him as a strong representation of what they feel is the former simplicity of life in Wrightsville Beach.
His conservative stance is reflected in how he discussed curbside recycling. While supporting the general proposal of increased recycling and its potential positive affects on the environment, he said the town shouldn’t force it on people.
“I don’t like the government forcing anything on anybody,” he said.
Following the BOA meeting, the candidate made numerous comments regarding his athletic credentials before segueing into a long conversation about local sports.
He is a 1993 inductee of the Lenoire-Rhyne Sports Hall of Fame, and still holds record as one of the university’s leading basketball scorers. He is also an encyclopedia of local sports knowledge.
Without being questioned, Miastkowski addressed a blemish on his alderman record: absenteeism.
It came to light earlier this year that he missed more board meetings in 2008 than all the other aldermen combined since 2005. And in every year since 2005, he has been absent for more meetings than any current board member.
After contending that he never missed a meeting in his first twelve years of office, Miastkowski excused his absences. He cited deaths of friends and family, specifically his wife and sister.
“Certain things are more important than others,” he said. “Friends and family come first.”
Over your 16 years in office, how have you grown and solidified your base of support?
“I think I’ve been losing support because all the old people are dying and moving and that’s where my support comes from: the old beach residents. I don’t know the young people as much … but the older beach residents who’ve lived here a long time is where I get the majority of my support.
Why do you think that is?
“I’ve lived here 32-33 years. I graduated from New Hanover High School in 1960. I played basketball at UNCW for a couple years and people used to come see me play.
I moved to New Hanover County in 1968, except for the years that I went to Lenoire-Rhyne up in Hickory; I’ve lived here that long. My wife is from here, she’s deceased now. We were married 43 years and she’s from Wilmington.
Through school and in those 30 years I’ve got to know a lot of the kids at the beach and their families. I’ve been going to St. Therese’s Church for 40-some years because I lived in Green Meadows before I moved here and that was still my church. I’ve been going to St. Therese’s probably since 1970.
In your time on the Board of Aldermen what do you consider your greatest accomplishments?
“Trying to hold expenses down. Everybody knows I’m cheap. I treat the town money like it’s my money because I feel like it is our money. Each person that lives here—it’s their money—so I try to hold expenses down as best I can the whole time. That’s one constant that I have is spending.
The other constant is people know how I’m going to vote just about every time. I get very few phone calls because they know my philosophy on things as far as building and ordinances and that; and they know it’s hard to change my mind because I’m consistent. The audience doesn’t sway me a whole lot. I’ve voted for my friends; I have voted against my friends. I just try to do what I think is right for the beach. And I’ve lived here like I said, since 1977.”
How are you most involved in the community?
“For a while I was a member of the Lion’s Club and I enjoyed that. It just takes time. It started taking so much time. My wife was bedridden for six or seven years before she passed away and I had to stay with her—either I had to be there or somebody else had to be there. But I help, and just hang out and walk the neighborhoods and talk to people.
I’m not very accessible on the phone because, mainly, people who call are always these people wanting me to change telephone services and things like that. It aggravates me (he laughs). But I hang out in the parks. I’ll come over during the week and sit out there and watch people and they’ll come up and talk to me. I just try to be available on a personal basis, one-to-one, out in public, like just hanging out.
I don’t like to go to a lot of meetings, because I don’t believe the squeaky wheel gets the most grease. I try to hear both sides. Like I talked tonight. I talked to both sides. I went to visit people on both sides of the issue and I heard from one side and I went to visit somebody else and I heard the other side. When issues come up I try to listen to both people. I’ve got friends on both sides of this issue and I probably should’ve voted tonight but a little more information never hurt anybody. I’ll try to solve the problem before we have to do anything drastic.
I try to talk to both sides of the story all the time and I try to explain to them why I can’t vote for them. I’ve had some of my best friends that I’ve had to vote against because I didn’t think it was the right thing to do.
I think people respect that or at least you can sit down and talk to them. They get mad at you, but they understand and they see my point of view. They don’t agree with it, but they know why I do things. I just don’t cut them off. I try to listen to them and then explain I can’t do it or why I can do it. And then I got to tell the other side just the opposite.
What do you regard as the biggest issues facing the town?
“Probably people coming down in the summer. It’s not a problem, but it’s what to do with them when they get here. It’s just, we’re sinking down here. We have more public parking, people assume that we’re not tourist friendly, but if you check the other beaches we have more public access and more public parking than probably any beach in North Carolina.
And I don’t know how to alleviate any more of that problem but traffic and people coming down here is a terrific problem for us in the summer. They just ride around the circles and tie up the beach. I think they don’t assume we’re friendly to tourists but I think we are because we supply all these services. They complain about the parking meters but the parking meters offset the expenses that we provide for the tourists.
(He cited the sometimes more than 200 trashcans on the beach strand) And we empty them on the weekends and that takes our personnel coming in on the weekends to do it. We don’t leave Friday and come back Monday to do them; we’re out there on the weekends.
We have a full-time maintenance guy to handle bathrooms in the summertime. People say, ‘well you don’t clean them.’ But we’ve got a guy works 40 hours a week and his only job in the summer is to maintain—I think we got five or six public restrooms—and that’s his only job. To me those are tourist-friendly type things to do, and people don’t think we do that.
(Public works director Mike Vukelich said there are five public restrooms maintained by a full-time employee at a significant cost to the town.)
The lifeguards cost us over $350,000 a year, (the exact number is $351,257 for this year, according to town manager Bob Simpson) but it’s a service that we provide for the tourists that come down, make them feel like they’re safe or try to be safe as they can. I think the county ought to help us with that, but they don’t. We pony up the money here at Wrightsville Beach to the tune of $350 grand a year.”
How do you propose we deal with all the people?
“That’s been a problem since I’ve been on the board. We’ve had ideas like build parking decks but parking decks aren’t feasible because they’re only going to be used 12 weekends out of the summer. Monday through Friday parking’s not a problem down here, it’s Saturday and Sunday and sometimes on Friday and on holiday weekends and we’ve checked into it. The last time it’s been six or seven years, so I don’t know if I’m up to date, but it would take 35 years to get our money back out of a parking deck because it would never be used except on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer.
(Town manager Bob Simpson agreed. He said recently that Wrightsville Beach took up the possibility of a trolley line and parking deck in 2005, but the town simply doesn’t have the real estate to handle a project of that size. The costs of construction and maintenance would mean little return on the town’s investment.)
One time we had a trolley down here and it didn’t last very long and we used to shuttle them from here, let them park here and shuttle them every 30 minutes, but nobody would use it. We charged, I think it was a quarter, and ran every 30 minutes and people just didn’t want to use it. I don’t know if that would be something feasible now but this parking lot (he points in the direction of Wrightsville Beach park) fills up anyway without the trolley so I don’t know what good a trolley would do now because there’s no where for them go anywhere on that thing.
But we’ve talked about putting a sign out there on Eastwood somewhere saying: no available spots at the beach. But that wouldn’t stop them—they’d come down and look anyway. We’ve thought about a lot of things, it’s just people are going to come. There’s nothing you can do and they’ll just ride around, they will park in people’s yards and everything else. Like I said, we have more public parking than any beach in North Carolina for size and we provide more public accesses.
It’s 12 weekends a year that we have the problem. The other times it’s not that bad—maybe 14 now because the seasons are getting a little longer. They come a little earlier and a little later. There’s just no land to do anything with.”
“There are lots over there behind Lager Heads (on North Lumina Avenue) and people say, ‘why don’t you buy them and put a deck there?’ but the cost would be astronomical to do something like that and again it would only be used on the weekends.”
—Brian Freskos
The issue had evolved into an emotional confrontation between both sides, with proponents of change citing what they claim to be safety issues along the one block thoroughfare from Sprunt Street to the Hanover Seaside Club.
At the meeting, the board of aldermen (BOA) tabled the issue, deciding to delve deeper into whether the safety factors need improving in the area in question.
Miastkowski used the public’s division as a platform to say that he often seeks the public’s opinion.
He is likely the longest serving alderman in the history of Wrightsville Beach, first elected in 1993, winning by smooth margins every four years since.
According to the candidate, the support of his right-wing conservative decision-making is slipping away, due to the fact that “all the old people are dying and moving,” he said.
Miastkowski, 68, said that a majority of his support is came from citizens of his generation—people who may view him as a strong representation of what they feel is the former simplicity of life in Wrightsville Beach.
His conservative stance is reflected in how he discussed curbside recycling. While supporting the general proposal of increased recycling and its potential positive affects on the environment, he said the town shouldn’t force it on people.
“I don’t like the government forcing anything on anybody,” he said.
Following the BOA meeting, the candidate made numerous comments regarding his athletic credentials before segueing into a long conversation about local sports.
He is a 1993 inductee of the Lenoire-Rhyne Sports Hall of Fame, and still holds record as one of the university’s leading basketball scorers. He is also an encyclopedia of local sports knowledge.
Without being questioned, Miastkowski addressed a blemish on his alderman record: absenteeism.
It came to light earlier this year that he missed more board meetings in 2008 than all the other aldermen combined since 2005. And in every year since 2005, he has been absent for more meetings than any current board member.
After contending that he never missed a meeting in his first twelve years of office, Miastkowski excused his absences. He cited deaths of friends and family, specifically his wife and sister.
“Certain things are more important than others,” he said. “Friends and family come first.”
Over your 16 years in office, how have you grown and solidified your base of support?
“I think I’ve been losing support because all the old people are dying and moving and that’s where my support comes from: the old beach residents. I don’t know the young people as much … but the older beach residents who’ve lived here a long time is where I get the majority of my support.
Why do you think that is?
“I’ve lived here 32-33 years. I graduated from New Hanover High School in 1960. I played basketball at UNCW for a couple years and people used to come see me play.
I moved to New Hanover County in 1968, except for the years that I went to Lenoire-Rhyne up in Hickory; I’ve lived here that long. My wife is from here, she’s deceased now. We were married 43 years and she’s from Wilmington.
Through school and in those 30 years I’ve got to know a lot of the kids at the beach and their families. I’ve been going to St. Therese’s Church for 40-some years because I lived in Green Meadows before I moved here and that was still my church. I’ve been going to St. Therese’s probably since 1970.
In your time on the Board of Aldermen what do you consider your greatest accomplishments?
“Trying to hold expenses down. Everybody knows I’m cheap. I treat the town money like it’s my money because I feel like it is our money. Each person that lives here—it’s their money—so I try to hold expenses down as best I can the whole time. That’s one constant that I have is spending.
The other constant is people know how I’m going to vote just about every time. I get very few phone calls because they know my philosophy on things as far as building and ordinances and that; and they know it’s hard to change my mind because I’m consistent. The audience doesn’t sway me a whole lot. I’ve voted for my friends; I have voted against my friends. I just try to do what I think is right for the beach. And I’ve lived here like I said, since 1977.”
How are you most involved in the community?
“For a while I was a member of the Lion’s Club and I enjoyed that. It just takes time. It started taking so much time. My wife was bedridden for six or seven years before she passed away and I had to stay with her—either I had to be there or somebody else had to be there. But I help, and just hang out and walk the neighborhoods and talk to people.
I’m not very accessible on the phone because, mainly, people who call are always these people wanting me to change telephone services and things like that. It aggravates me (he laughs). But I hang out in the parks. I’ll come over during the week and sit out there and watch people and they’ll come up and talk to me. I just try to be available on a personal basis, one-to-one, out in public, like just hanging out.
I don’t like to go to a lot of meetings, because I don’t believe the squeaky wheel gets the most grease. I try to hear both sides. Like I talked tonight. I talked to both sides. I went to visit people on both sides of the issue and I heard from one side and I went to visit somebody else and I heard the other side. When issues come up I try to listen to both people. I’ve got friends on both sides of this issue and I probably should’ve voted tonight but a little more information never hurt anybody. I’ll try to solve the problem before we have to do anything drastic.
I try to talk to both sides of the story all the time and I try to explain to them why I can’t vote for them. I’ve had some of my best friends that I’ve had to vote against because I didn’t think it was the right thing to do.
I think people respect that or at least you can sit down and talk to them. They get mad at you, but they understand and they see my point of view. They don’t agree with it, but they know why I do things. I just don’t cut them off. I try to listen to them and then explain I can’t do it or why I can do it. And then I got to tell the other side just the opposite.
What do you regard as the biggest issues facing the town?
“Probably people coming down in the summer. It’s not a problem, but it’s what to do with them when they get here. It’s just, we’re sinking down here. We have more public parking, people assume that we’re not tourist friendly, but if you check the other beaches we have more public access and more public parking than probably any beach in North Carolina.
And I don’t know how to alleviate any more of that problem but traffic and people coming down here is a terrific problem for us in the summer. They just ride around the circles and tie up the beach. I think they don’t assume we’re friendly to tourists but I think we are because we supply all these services. They complain about the parking meters but the parking meters offset the expenses that we provide for the tourists.
(He cited the sometimes more than 200 trashcans on the beach strand) And we empty them on the weekends and that takes our personnel coming in on the weekends to do it. We don’t leave Friday and come back Monday to do them; we’re out there on the weekends.
We have a full-time maintenance guy to handle bathrooms in the summertime. People say, ‘well you don’t clean them.’ But we’ve got a guy works 40 hours a week and his only job in the summer is to maintain—I think we got five or six public restrooms—and that’s his only job. To me those are tourist-friendly type things to do, and people don’t think we do that.
(Public works director Mike Vukelich said there are five public restrooms maintained by a full-time employee at a significant cost to the town.)
The lifeguards cost us over $350,000 a year, (the exact number is $351,257 for this year, according to town manager Bob Simpson) but it’s a service that we provide for the tourists that come down, make them feel like they’re safe or try to be safe as they can. I think the county ought to help us with that, but they don’t. We pony up the money here at Wrightsville Beach to the tune of $350 grand a year.”
How do you propose we deal with all the people?
“That’s been a problem since I’ve been on the board. We’ve had ideas like build parking decks but parking decks aren’t feasible because they’re only going to be used 12 weekends out of the summer. Monday through Friday parking’s not a problem down here, it’s Saturday and Sunday and sometimes on Friday and on holiday weekends and we’ve checked into it. The last time it’s been six or seven years, so I don’t know if I’m up to date, but it would take 35 years to get our money back out of a parking deck because it would never be used except on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer.
(Town manager Bob Simpson agreed. He said recently that Wrightsville Beach took up the possibility of a trolley line and parking deck in 2005, but the town simply doesn’t have the real estate to handle a project of that size. The costs of construction and maintenance would mean little return on the town’s investment.)
One time we had a trolley down here and it didn’t last very long and we used to shuttle them from here, let them park here and shuttle them every 30 minutes, but nobody would use it. We charged, I think it was a quarter, and ran every 30 minutes and people just didn’t want to use it. I don’t know if that would be something feasible now but this parking lot (he points in the direction of Wrightsville Beach park) fills up anyway without the trolley so I don’t know what good a trolley would do now because there’s no where for them go anywhere on that thing.
But we’ve talked about putting a sign out there on Eastwood somewhere saying: no available spots at the beach. But that wouldn’t stop them—they’d come down and look anyway. We’ve thought about a lot of things, it’s just people are going to come. There’s nothing you can do and they’ll just ride around, they will park in people’s yards and everything else. Like I said, we have more public parking than any beach in North Carolina for size and we provide more public accesses.
It’s 12 weekends a year that we have the problem. The other times it’s not that bad—maybe 14 now because the seasons are getting a little longer. They come a little earlier and a little later. There’s just no land to do anything with.”
“There are lots over there behind Lager Heads (on North Lumina Avenue) and people say, ‘why don’t you buy them and put a deck there?’ but the cost would be astronomical to do something like that and again it would only be used on the weekends.”
—Brian Freskos
Attack provokes candidate talk
The recent attack on 41-year-old Jud Gee has brought to the forefront what one board of aldermen candidate called an emergency situation in Wrightsville Beach, where degrading behavior has shaken the town’s core.
The attack on South Lumina Avenue Saturday morning, Sept. 12, left Gee in the hospital with life-threatening injuries and resulted in the arrest of Hugh Trey Sandlin, 28, a voice student from Chicago who now sits in a jailhouse cell on $150,000 secured bond.
Alderman candidate Walter DeVries called it a horrid attack that brought to light what the he deemed is a needed upgrade in the town’s safety structure.
DeVries recommended strengthening community policing, putting police on bicycles and Segway Personal Transporters, installing more video cameras, reducing department turnover, adding more officers and restoring merit pay.
He advocated a zero tolerance policy when addressing actions like public drunkenness, drug use, fights, property damage, disturbing the peace, swearing and cursing at residents and generally trashing the town streets, parking lots and beaches.
Citing fiscal constraints, DeVries proposed combating these issues by using the town’s $3.5 million in rainy day fund.
“This money is in the bank. It is to be used for emergencies—and if dealing with problem behavior isn’t an emergency, I don’t know what is,” DeVries said.
But using this money may not be as simple as it sounds.
Town manager Bob Simpson said the state of North Carolina requires municipalities to keep a portion—about 7 percent—of its budget in a fund earmarked for emergencies.
Wrightsville Beach, being a coastal town prone to head-on hurricane strikes, is required by ordinance to dedicate 34.5 percent of its budget toward emergency relief, Simpson said. This fiscal year, the town has set aside about 40 percent, or about $3.5 million of its $8.7 million budget.
DeVries’ statements at times coincided with but other times broke with statements made by the other BOA candidates in the days following the attack.
James Smith and Susan Howell Collins did not agree with DeVries’ suggestion that the attack represents a broader emergency situation on Wrightsville Beach.
“I think we have to recognize that, unfortunately, these types of things are happening all over the country, not just Wrightsville Beach,” Smith said. “It’s obviously a very unfortunate thing that happened but people don’t behave the way they used to.”
Collins said, “Since this is an isolated incident and not a random act of violence, I cannot accept the statement that the town of Wrightsville Beach is in an emergency state.”
When asked whether the Gee attack represented an emergency situation, BOA candidate Bill Sisson said, “Yes and no.”
“I don’t want what I’m saying to imply that the police are not doing their job,” he said. “But people in Wrightsville Beach don’t feel safe...and that can qualify as an emergency.”
Referring to the attack, he added: “There is certainly a perceived emergency to do something so that something like this never happens again.”
Alcohol abuse was cited by both Smith and Sisson as major issues currently having a negative affect on town safety, but proposals put forth by each candidate regarding how to combat the problem differed remarkably.
Smith wants Wrightsville Beach to enter into a collaborative effort with other towns to lobby the governor to change the alcohol beverage control board regulations and the agency’s authority to better control the downtown district.
“We have to take the driver’s seat to get the law changed,” he said. “A town, any town, whether it’s Raleigh or Wrightsville Beach, can’t control the bars and it’s a real shame that we can’t.”
Sisson, on the other hand, wants to increase the amount of community policing, a direct connection to DeVries’ proposal.
“I’m not blaming the bar owners, that’s not their problem,” he said. “It’s the problem of the people who are abusing alcohol.”
Sisson said that done properly, community policing breeds more cooperation between the citizens and police than having an arms-length relationship.
He said the town should look at funding options to initiate policies that take police out of the car and put them on the street, where they can have a physical presence to bridge the gap between officers and the public.
Acknowledging the town’s poor fiscal base, Sisson said that before funding any initiatives, the town should look at whether it is making the most efficient use of its current resources.
“Throwing money at a problem never fixes it,” he said, “but the physical presence of police would act as a deterrent.”
Ed Miastkowski could not be reached for comment. Several phone calls to his home and an email message were not answered.
The attack on South Lumina Avenue Saturday morning, Sept. 12, left Gee in the hospital with life-threatening injuries and resulted in the arrest of Hugh Trey Sandlin, 28, a voice student from Chicago who now sits in a jailhouse cell on $150,000 secured bond.
Alderman candidate Walter DeVries called it a horrid attack that brought to light what the he deemed is a needed upgrade in the town’s safety structure.
DeVries recommended strengthening community policing, putting police on bicycles and Segway Personal Transporters, installing more video cameras, reducing department turnover, adding more officers and restoring merit pay.
He advocated a zero tolerance policy when addressing actions like public drunkenness, drug use, fights, property damage, disturbing the peace, swearing and cursing at residents and generally trashing the town streets, parking lots and beaches.
Citing fiscal constraints, DeVries proposed combating these issues by using the town’s $3.5 million in rainy day fund.
“This money is in the bank. It is to be used for emergencies—and if dealing with problem behavior isn’t an emergency, I don’t know what is,” DeVries said.
But using this money may not be as simple as it sounds.
Town manager Bob Simpson said the state of North Carolina requires municipalities to keep a portion—about 7 percent—of its budget in a fund earmarked for emergencies.
Wrightsville Beach, being a coastal town prone to head-on hurricane strikes, is required by ordinance to dedicate 34.5 percent of its budget toward emergency relief, Simpson said. This fiscal year, the town has set aside about 40 percent, or about $3.5 million of its $8.7 million budget.
DeVries’ statements at times coincided with but other times broke with statements made by the other BOA candidates in the days following the attack.
James Smith and Susan Howell Collins did not agree with DeVries’ suggestion that the attack represents a broader emergency situation on Wrightsville Beach.
“I think we have to recognize that, unfortunately, these types of things are happening all over the country, not just Wrightsville Beach,” Smith said. “It’s obviously a very unfortunate thing that happened but people don’t behave the way they used to.”
Collins said, “Since this is an isolated incident and not a random act of violence, I cannot accept the statement that the town of Wrightsville Beach is in an emergency state.”
When asked whether the Gee attack represented an emergency situation, BOA candidate Bill Sisson said, “Yes and no.”
“I don’t want what I’m saying to imply that the police are not doing their job,” he said. “But people in Wrightsville Beach don’t feel safe...and that can qualify as an emergency.”
Referring to the attack, he added: “There is certainly a perceived emergency to do something so that something like this never happens again.”
Alcohol abuse was cited by both Smith and Sisson as major issues currently having a negative affect on town safety, but proposals put forth by each candidate regarding how to combat the problem differed remarkably.
Smith wants Wrightsville Beach to enter into a collaborative effort with other towns to lobby the governor to change the alcohol beverage control board regulations and the agency’s authority to better control the downtown district.
“We have to take the driver’s seat to get the law changed,” he said. “A town, any town, whether it’s Raleigh or Wrightsville Beach, can’t control the bars and it’s a real shame that we can’t.”
Sisson, on the other hand, wants to increase the amount of community policing, a direct connection to DeVries’ proposal.
“I’m not blaming the bar owners, that’s not their problem,” he said. “It’s the problem of the people who are abusing alcohol.”
Sisson said that done properly, community policing breeds more cooperation between the citizens and police than having an arms-length relationship.
He said the town should look at funding options to initiate policies that take police out of the car and put them on the street, where they can have a physical presence to bridge the gap between officers and the public.
Acknowledging the town’s poor fiscal base, Sisson said that before funding any initiatives, the town should look at whether it is making the most efficient use of its current resources.
“Throwing money at a problem never fixes it,” he said, “but the physical presence of police would act as a deterrent.”
Ed Miastkowski could not be reached for comment. Several phone calls to his home and an email message were not answered.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
New voting laws change elections for New Hanover County
The North Carolina General Assembly recently passed three landmark legislative bills that change the way local candidates run for office and, among other things, provide an easier means for elderly and military voters to cast their ballots.
The new session laws were approved by Governor Beverly Perdue in late August.
The laws become effective in December, after this year’s county-wide municipal elections. The changes will have no bearing on how candidates or voters conduct themselves leading up to Election Day this November.
“But this is very important for anyone looking to become a candidate in the 2010 election and from that point forth,” said Bonnie Williams, director of the New Hanover County Board of Elections.
For candidates, the campaign finance reporting threshold was lowered by $2,000, a clear attempt to promote greater public oversight of campaign spending.
This election season, municipal candidates in New Hanover County do not have to file campaign finance reports unless they collect or spend more than $3,000.
Candidates in 2010 will have to file reports as soon as they reach $1,000.
In Wrightsville Beach, mayoral candidate David Cignotti has already filed over that mark; incumbent Mayor Stephen K. Whalen has not.
Also, none of the Board of Aldermen candidates have filed over the threshold.
For voters, the most significant changes were made to absentee balloting.
Presently, voters who use absentee ballots are required to have two eyewitnesses present to observe the marking of the ballot. After December, absentee voters will only need one eyewitness.
The changes make it easier for members of the military, couples that live in remote areas and elderly married couples that live by themselves to cast their ballots, Williams said.
The laws also extend the deadline for returning absentee ballots, a measure that is clearly designed to jump the hurdles of getting mail to and from the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, underscoring a national initiative to make it easier on the country’s military men and women.
“A sincere effort has been put forth to see how we can better the process for these military voters so they’re not disenfranchised,” Williams said, “because they (the military) are working outside of a normal situation.”
Also included in the laws is a provision that allows qualified 16-year-olds to preregister to vote.
By preregistering, that person will be automatically registered upon reaching the age of 18, following verification of the person’s qualifications and address.
-- Brian Freskos
The new session laws were approved by Governor Beverly Perdue in late August.
The laws become effective in December, after this year’s county-wide municipal elections. The changes will have no bearing on how candidates or voters conduct themselves leading up to Election Day this November.
“But this is very important for anyone looking to become a candidate in the 2010 election and from that point forth,” said Bonnie Williams, director of the New Hanover County Board of Elections.
For candidates, the campaign finance reporting threshold was lowered by $2,000, a clear attempt to promote greater public oversight of campaign spending.
This election season, municipal candidates in New Hanover County do not have to file campaign finance reports unless they collect or spend more than $3,000.
Candidates in 2010 will have to file reports as soon as they reach $1,000.
In Wrightsville Beach, mayoral candidate David Cignotti has already filed over that mark; incumbent Mayor Stephen K. Whalen has not.
Also, none of the Board of Aldermen candidates have filed over the threshold.
For voters, the most significant changes were made to absentee balloting.
Presently, voters who use absentee ballots are required to have two eyewitnesses present to observe the marking of the ballot. After December, absentee voters will only need one eyewitness.
The changes make it easier for members of the military, couples that live in remote areas and elderly married couples that live by themselves to cast their ballots, Williams said.
The laws also extend the deadline for returning absentee ballots, a measure that is clearly designed to jump the hurdles of getting mail to and from the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, underscoring a national initiative to make it easier on the country’s military men and women.
“A sincere effort has been put forth to see how we can better the process for these military voters so they’re not disenfranchised,” Williams said, “because they (the military) are working outside of a normal situation.”
Also included in the laws is a provision that allows qualified 16-year-olds to preregister to vote.
By preregistering, that person will be automatically registered upon reaching the age of 18, following verification of the person’s qualifications and address.
-- Brian Freskos
Monday, September 07, 2009
Candidates offered an ocean rescue ride-along
When the town offered to take the five Board of Aldermen candidates on a ride-along to witness Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue (WBOR) in action, only two partook.
Candidates James Smith and Susan Howell Collins rode up and down the beach strand with WBOR director Dave Baker in an agency vehicle at separate times on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 5, offering them a unique insight into the inner-workings of an important town agency.
Following their experience, both candidates expressed a deep joy in the gallant bravery and capabilities of WBOR personnel and said the ride was an opportunity to open avenues of communication that could serve both the government and the agency well in the future.
“I have always been impressed with the life safety team, but now I am overly impressed with them,” Smith said. “I spend a lot of time on the beach and it’s very heartwarming to see the dedication out there.”
“(Baker) introduced me to a lot of the lifeguards at the stands,” Smith continued, “and I think if the lifeguards see an elected official out there that really cares about their day-to-day operations and is there for support...I think that is just one more factor in keeping moral high and showing them that we support them.”
Collins had similar afterthoughts.
“By riding with him (Baker) I could see that they (WBOR) have a service to do and that they do it—and their record proves it,” Collins said. “They don’t do what’s required, they do above that standard.”
Both candidates also saw the ride-along as an educational tool, offering them the chance to see lifeguards in action.
Smith said he saw the lifeguards work their skill-set when a person was caught in a rip current.
Collins said she was impressed by how effective the agency’s personnel was in finding missing children and specifically noted the story of a young girl who was lost Saturday:
A little girl approached and told lifeguards that she couldn’t find her parents, Collins said. The lifeguards asked the girl what her mother’s name was.
The girl said her mother’s name was: “mom.”
The lifeguards asked the girl for her father’s name.
She replied: “Dad.”
“So they were looking for a mom and a dad with a little girl in a pink bathing suit,” Collins said, giggling.
She said WBOR found the girl’s parents within minutes.
While both the candidates saw some action, Labor Day weekend was a poor reflection on how busy the WBOR has been this season. The bad weather kept most of the beach-goers at home.
Smith said he would like to make the ride-along a monthly event—a significant gesture to a town agency that keeps Wrightsville’s beaches safe.
“I’d love to do it once a month, make sure they’re getting all the support they need,” Smith said. “If there are things that they need, we can hear it firsthand and see it firsthand.”
Baker commented on how the candidates benefited from the ride-along the next day, saying: “It was very enlightening for them and very educational.”
He said it gave each of them a behind-the-scenes look at the overall workings of WBOR.
“It gave them an understanding that they didn’t have before,” Baker said.
—Brian Freskos
Candidates James Smith and Susan Howell Collins rode up and down the beach strand with WBOR director Dave Baker in an agency vehicle at separate times on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 5, offering them a unique insight into the inner-workings of an important town agency.
Following their experience, both candidates expressed a deep joy in the gallant bravery and capabilities of WBOR personnel and said the ride was an opportunity to open avenues of communication that could serve both the government and the agency well in the future.
“I have always been impressed with the life safety team, but now I am overly impressed with them,” Smith said. “I spend a lot of time on the beach and it’s very heartwarming to see the dedication out there.”
“(Baker) introduced me to a lot of the lifeguards at the stands,” Smith continued, “and I think if the lifeguards see an elected official out there that really cares about their day-to-day operations and is there for support...I think that is just one more factor in keeping moral high and showing them that we support them.”
Collins had similar afterthoughts.
“By riding with him (Baker) I could see that they (WBOR) have a service to do and that they do it—and their record proves it,” Collins said. “They don’t do what’s required, they do above that standard.”
Both candidates also saw the ride-along as an educational tool, offering them the chance to see lifeguards in action.
Smith said he saw the lifeguards work their skill-set when a person was caught in a rip current.
Collins said she was impressed by how effective the agency’s personnel was in finding missing children and specifically noted the story of a young girl who was lost Saturday:
A little girl approached and told lifeguards that she couldn’t find her parents, Collins said. The lifeguards asked the girl what her mother’s name was.
The girl said her mother’s name was: “mom.”
The lifeguards asked the girl for her father’s name.
She replied: “Dad.”
“So they were looking for a mom and a dad with a little girl in a pink bathing suit,” Collins said, giggling.
She said WBOR found the girl’s parents within minutes.
While both the candidates saw some action, Labor Day weekend was a poor reflection on how busy the WBOR has been this season. The bad weather kept most of the beach-goers at home.
Smith said he would like to make the ride-along a monthly event—a significant gesture to a town agency that keeps Wrightsville’s beaches safe.
“I’d love to do it once a month, make sure they’re getting all the support they need,” Smith said. “If there are things that they need, we can hear it firsthand and see it firsthand.”
Baker commented on how the candidates benefited from the ride-along the next day, saying: “It was very enlightening for them and very educational.”
He said it gave each of them a behind-the-scenes look at the overall workings of WBOR.
“It gave them an understanding that they didn’t have before,” Baker said.
—Brian Freskos
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Important Election Dates
Oct. 5 Absentee by mail voting begins
Oct. 9 Voter Registration Ends*
Oct. 15 One Stop voting begins
Oct. 27 Deadline to request Absentee by Mail ballot*
Oct. 31 One Stop voting ends
Nov. 2 Deadline to return Absentee by Mail ballot*
Nov. 3 ELECTION DAY
*Deadline at 5 p.m.
Information obtained from the New Hanover County Board of Elections
Oct. 9 Voter Registration Ends*
Oct. 15 One Stop voting begins
Oct. 27 Deadline to request Absentee by Mail ballot*
Oct. 31 One Stop voting ends
Nov. 2 Deadline to return Absentee by Mail ballot*
Nov. 3 ELECTION DAY
*Deadline at 5 p.m.
Information obtained from the New Hanover County Board of Elections
Candidates compress campaigns for contracted canvass period
The upswing in early voting has candidates from Wrightsville Beach to across the county strapping on their campaign rockets, readying to boost their message to any undecided voter.
Close to 60 percent of voters marked their ballots before the 2008 November Election Day, meaning candidates have to push their campaigns forward this year if they are going to tweak the minds of the electorate.
There was a national, local and organizational effort to get the vote out early in 2008, forever changing the dynamic of campaigning.
Digging into the reasons behind the upswing in early voting, a call was placed to Bonnie Williams, director of the New Hanover County Board of Elections.
“I think a lot of people vote early for many different reasons,” she said. “One, it’s convenient; and two, it gives them more flexibility in scheduling their day or their week.
Some people believe that if they vote early, they don’t have to stand in line on Election Day, even though they’re might be a line at the one-stop voting site ... on the other hand, you have another group of people who are very traditional, and it’s just not the same type of voting experience if they vote early and they prefer to wait until Election Day,” Williams said.
The filing period for candidates this year lasted from July 6-17, about a week earlier than elections prior to 2007.
One Stop voting begins on Oct. 15 at the New Hanover Government Center off Racine Drive, near the intersection with Eastwood Road.
The earlier filing period helps a little, but the rise in early voting means that candidates still have to boost their campaign into full swing a couple of weeks earlier sooner.
“That changes the whole dynamic of campaigns,” said Walter DeVries, a candidate for the Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen who has an extensive background in the world of politics and government.
“If you have a campaign plan then you have a timeline set for the campaign,” he said. “Well, now you have to move it back at least two weeks, which means that if you are planning ... to make your campaign peak by Election Day, now you have to do it by the middle of October.”
But it’s not as easy as it sounds.
“You run into a problem,” DeVries said. “If you push your campaign back to August, then a lot of people aren’t paying much attention yet.”
“What it does,” he said, referring to the shortened campaign period, “is it really compresses the campaign.”
Compressing the campaign has been made easier by the paralleled development of faster and more effective communication mediums like the Internet. In a small town, some candidates have been known to initiate person-by-person campaign strategies, which may prove more challenging than before the shortened campaign period.
—Brian Freskos
Close to 60 percent of voters marked their ballots before the 2008 November Election Day, meaning candidates have to push their campaigns forward this year if they are going to tweak the minds of the electorate.
There was a national, local and organizational effort to get the vote out early in 2008, forever changing the dynamic of campaigning.
Digging into the reasons behind the upswing in early voting, a call was placed to Bonnie Williams, director of the New Hanover County Board of Elections.
“I think a lot of people vote early for many different reasons,” she said. “One, it’s convenient; and two, it gives them more flexibility in scheduling their day or their week.
Some people believe that if they vote early, they don’t have to stand in line on Election Day, even though they’re might be a line at the one-stop voting site ... on the other hand, you have another group of people who are very traditional, and it’s just not the same type of voting experience if they vote early and they prefer to wait until Election Day,” Williams said.
The filing period for candidates this year lasted from July 6-17, about a week earlier than elections prior to 2007.
One Stop voting begins on Oct. 15 at the New Hanover Government Center off Racine Drive, near the intersection with Eastwood Road.
The earlier filing period helps a little, but the rise in early voting means that candidates still have to boost their campaign into full swing a couple of weeks earlier sooner.
“That changes the whole dynamic of campaigns,” said Walter DeVries, a candidate for the Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen who has an extensive background in the world of politics and government.
“If you have a campaign plan then you have a timeline set for the campaign,” he said. “Well, now you have to move it back at least two weeks, which means that if you are planning ... to make your campaign peak by Election Day, now you have to do it by the middle of October.”
But it’s not as easy as it sounds.
“You run into a problem,” DeVries said. “If you push your campaign back to August, then a lot of people aren’t paying much attention yet.”
“What it does,” he said, referring to the shortened campaign period, “is it really compresses the campaign.”
Compressing the campaign has been made easier by the paralleled development of faster and more effective communication mediums like the Internet. In a small town, some candidates have been known to initiate person-by-person campaign strategies, which may prove more challenging than before the shortened campaign period.
—Brian Freskos
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Longest serving alderman has racked excessive absences
Wrightsville Beach incumbent Ed Miastkowski has missed more board meetings since 2005 than all the other aldermen combined.
In 2008, Miastkowski was absent for 11 of 36 meetings. That is more absences in one year than all the other aldermen combined since 2005.
In 2007, he missed seven of 26 meetings; and in 2005 and 2006, he was absent for three meetings each year.
When the tallies were provided at the end of July, he had been absent for four of 22 meetings so far in 2009.
The attendance information was provided by town manager Bob Simpson in response to queries by other aldermen candidates.
Miastkowski has been marked absent a total 28 times out of 135 meetings.
Bill Blair earned second place for absenteeism. He has missed five of 58 meetings in his two years on the board.
Alderman Lisa Weeks was absent for three of 36 meetings in 2008, but had missed none in 2009 as of July.
Mayor and incumbent Stephen Whalen missed one meeting and mayoral candidate and Alderman David Cignotti hasn't missed any since his arrival on the board in 2005.
Miastkowski has served the Board of Aldermen since 1993, longer than any other current member.
—Brian Freskos
In 2008, Miastkowski was absent for 11 of 36 meetings. That is more absences in one year than all the other aldermen combined since 2005.
In 2007, he missed seven of 26 meetings; and in 2005 and 2006, he was absent for three meetings each year.
When the tallies were provided at the end of July, he had been absent for four of 22 meetings so far in 2009.
The attendance information was provided by town manager Bob Simpson in response to queries by other aldermen candidates.
Miastkowski has been marked absent a total 28 times out of 135 meetings.
Bill Blair earned second place for absenteeism. He has missed five of 58 meetings in his two years on the board.
Alderman Lisa Weeks was absent for three of 36 meetings in 2008, but had missed none in 2009 as of July.
Mayor and incumbent Stephen Whalen missed one meeting and mayoral candidate and Alderman David Cignotti hasn't missed any since his arrival on the board in 2005.
Miastkowski has served the Board of Aldermen since 1993, longer than any other current member.
—Brian Freskos
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