Most of you know that my partner, Ed, lives in Rhode Island. (Yes, it's a long distance relationship...but at least he doesn't live in California.) Usually, I fly Southwest to Providence (technically, we fly into Warwick) and it's a quick trip. However, I couldn't get a flight for less than $375 this year, so I decided to drive. (Yeah...I only saved $45 bucks, but I got the times I wanted and did exactly as I pleased...and it was glorious.)
I've never driven it. NEVER. And we've been together over four years now. It was fantastic! I had a ball driving! I'd never been on the New Jersey Turnpike. The furthest north I've ever driven is Delaware, and that was an accident (wrong turn in Baltimore for work...long story). I set out on Sunday around 2:00 in the afternoon. I decided that I'd stay overnight in Delaware (mainly because I knew where it was), so I got a hotel in Newark, Delaware, and stayed there for the night. I set out around 9am the next morning, and drove north. I mislicked and went through Philadelphia, but I got out fast so I could get on the Turnpike...and let me tell you...I ended up having to do the one thing I hate.
See...I have a paralyzing fear of heights. And, for those of you who don't know, the only thing between here and Providence is RIVERS...lots and lots of rivers. And guess what crosses those rivers? VERY HIGH BRIDGES. I white knuckled it across one in Philadelphia, and that's when I decided to hit the Turnpike.
I had a great time sightseeing, though. The best part for me was when I hit the edge of New Jersey where you can see across into Manhattan. I knew exactly where I was. Wondering how? Every single landmark has been referenced at some point or another on Law and Order or Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Now you may laugh.
Driving through NYC was a challenge because you s l o w d o w n so much. And apparently, Connecticut is the longest state in the union. Good LORD it took me forever to get through it! (And all I could see in my head was Tony Danza driving up in someone's driveway in a beat up blue van, jumping out to vacuum. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you missed the 80's.) Finally, I hit the Rhode Island state line...and I knew I was home free...except for one problem. Their exits don't match the mile markers like ours do. Eighty four hours more to go...
I got to Providence, and fortunately, I know my way around pretty well. When Ed works at the bar or has long translating assignments, I borrow his mom's car and go wherever I want to go. I like that. I liked being able to drive my own even more! So, I rolled on up to the Providence Place Mall where he works, and waited for him. He came out of the party office, and looked at me (not unlike Will does sometimes...with a look of sleepy bewilderment) and said, "What are you doing here?" I said, "Well hello to you too." He said, "What are you doing here?" I said, "Can I get a little excitement?" He said, "What are you doing here?" I guess that's what happens after four hours of sleep.
I had a great - and somewhat restful Thanksgiving. Although, you'd think I'd learn that I can never take a real vacation. If I put something off (such as preparing the maps, etc., for the Holiday Lights Tour, or writing e-mails to go out when I get home to candidates for National Board Certification), then it catches up to me and I have to work late. Oh well. I slept a lot. A LOT. It was great. Thanksgiving was awesome, too! Ed's brother's fiance (how Southern does that sound?) and her parents make Thanksgiving dinner, and we all meet there and eat. It's awesome, and her parents are wonderful.
On Friday morning after Thanksgiving, I loaded my car up with all the stuff I've bought and left over the past four After-Christmas sales, and headed south. I made it to Franklinton in just under ten hours - and that's with two stops for food, and one for gas.
I really do enjoy long drives by myself. I can zone out, not be around anyone and have to think...and oddly, that's when I do my best thinking. Thank goodness for the Voice Memo function on my phone!
Monday, December 14, 2009
I Know, I Know...
I know it's been almost a month. I'll both ask for forgiveness and say move on, because it's beena little hectic. Why? Because I've been working non-stop between my paying job, my not-so-paying job, and my volunteer work here in Town (and outside). It's been nutso! So...let's talk about some of it.
I hope you were able to see the Frankinton Christmas Parade! It was AWESOME! A great job was done by all those who worked so hard behind the scenes, including Darrell Chalk, Commissioner James Worley, Tammy Ray, David Robbins, Michael Devall, and Bob Truitt. (And yes...I assisted, also.) The tireless efforts of the members of the Franklinton Fire Department cannot be spoken of highly enough. It is truly amazing to see it all come together - and I really appreciate Darrell getting me back up to actually see the parade this year! (And, the members of the American Legion who carted my big ol' behind back up the road!)
The Arts Alive Committee had two great events back to back weekends, which was wonderful! First, the Community Holiday Concert was a great deal of fun. Commissioner Fuller surprised everyone when she kicked off the concert with a song! Five different acts, including Elvis, entertained a crowd of over 100 people. It was a great night - and we were done by 9:30, which was amazing unto itself! This past weekend, we had our two night Progress Energy Franklinton Holiday Lights Tour. Nearly 30 stops on the tour this year, including of course my parent's house at 440 S. Cheatham St. Should you decide to go visit, feel free to drive through, but if you want to get out, go up to the back door and let them know you're there. Most folks know - my mom packs heat.
We have over 60,000 lights on two and a half acres of house, buildings, land and trees...and grapevines. I'm especially proud of the FHS/NCSU themed CandyCane Forest. :) (Mainly because I spent two days doing it.) My dad worked for the better part of a month on getting the lights up. He started the week before Thanksgiving. I tried my best to get over there several times to work on them...but my schedule runs me ragged...and the worst part is, I do it to myself. I spent the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving working on lights...and in two days, I put up over 25,000 lights. My dad lives to put up the inflatables. The cool part? My dad and I have exactly two things in common besides blood...being elected to public office, and a love of Christmas lights. We'll both be up at 5am on December 26, too...cruising around, looking for lights on sale. If you see any, call 919-702-4814 and keep me posted so I can hit the good sales. :)
Next year, Arts Alive is thinking about doing a Candlelight Tour...seven or eight homes that you can tour - historical homes. What do you think?
I hope you were able to see the Frankinton Christmas Parade! It was AWESOME! A great job was done by all those who worked so hard behind the scenes, including Darrell Chalk, Commissioner James Worley, Tammy Ray, David Robbins, Michael Devall, and Bob Truitt. (And yes...I assisted, also.) The tireless efforts of the members of the Franklinton Fire Department cannot be spoken of highly enough. It is truly amazing to see it all come together - and I really appreciate Darrell getting me back up to actually see the parade this year! (And, the members of the American Legion who carted my big ol' behind back up the road!)
The Arts Alive Committee had two great events back to back weekends, which was wonderful! First, the Community Holiday Concert was a great deal of fun. Commissioner Fuller surprised everyone when she kicked off the concert with a song! Five different acts, including Elvis, entertained a crowd of over 100 people. It was a great night - and we were done by 9:30, which was amazing unto itself! This past weekend, we had our two night Progress Energy Franklinton Holiday Lights Tour. Nearly 30 stops on the tour this year, including of course my parent's house at 440 S. Cheatham St. Should you decide to go visit, feel free to drive through, but if you want to get out, go up to the back door and let them know you're there. Most folks know - my mom packs heat.
We have over 60,000 lights on two and a half acres of house, buildings, land and trees...and grapevines. I'm especially proud of the FHS/NCSU themed CandyCane Forest. :) (Mainly because I spent two days doing it.) My dad worked for the better part of a month on getting the lights up. He started the week before Thanksgiving. I tried my best to get over there several times to work on them...but my schedule runs me ragged...and the worst part is, I do it to myself. I spent the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving working on lights...and in two days, I put up over 25,000 lights. My dad lives to put up the inflatables. The cool part? My dad and I have exactly two things in common besides blood...being elected to public office, and a love of Christmas lights. We'll both be up at 5am on December 26, too...cruising around, looking for lights on sale. If you see any, call 919-702-4814 and keep me posted so I can hit the good sales. :)
Next year, Arts Alive is thinking about doing a Candlelight Tour...seven or eight homes that you can tour - historical homes. What do you think?
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Rest of My Trip to New Orleans
So…I shared with you what happened on the first couple of days of my conference in New Orleans. Then, it got busy! We had a great start to our conference, with a wonderful speaker, Dr. David Berliner. He was incredible! Then, we had some great conversations on Thursday during the day, and a wonderful night out with folks from my Mid-Atlantic region (mostly Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina). Friday was a little long, but again, great conversations around teacher evaluations and how to utilize them in an effective manner for professional growth.
Then came Friday night. I had a blast! (It was about time for some fun…thankfully, I was in the right place!)
I got to hang out with a former student early in Friday evening. Travis is a medical student at Tulane University – how awesome is that? I’m so proud of him! After that, I met up with several friends, and we took on Bourbon Street. I rode a bull at Bourbon Cowboy. You read that right…I rode a bull! Is that not hilarious? I fell off three times…but I rode that sucker for at least a minute each time! Then, we walked around Bourbon Street…taking in the sights. Ha! I bought souvenirs for some friends and family back home. And then, I headed back to the room. (That’s all you’re getting! :))
Then came Friday night. I had a blast! (It was about time for some fun…thankfully, I was in the right place!)
I got to hang out with a former student early in Friday evening. Travis is a medical student at Tulane University – how awesome is that? I’m so proud of him! After that, I met up with several friends, and we took on Bourbon Street. I rode a bull at Bourbon Cowboy. You read that right…I rode a bull! Is that not hilarious? I fell off three times…but I rode that sucker for at least a minute each time! Then, we walked around Bourbon Street…taking in the sights. Ha! I bought souvenirs for some friends and family back home. And then, I headed back to the room. (That’s all you’re getting! :))
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
NEW ORLEANS!
Greetings all!
I'm currently in Cajun Country...that's right, I'm in New Orleans! Why? Allow me to explain (why I'm not just here on a vacation, which I never really take).
Most of you know that I work for the NC Association of Educators. How many of you know what I actually do? I thought so. :) My official title is 'Education Consultant,' which is a pretty way of saying, "he does just about everything we can think of except due process cases.' In reality, my work is that of professional development for educators across the state of North Carolina. I lead and facilitate workshops for teachers; I coordinate support for candidates (teachers) for National Board Certification, which is just about a full time job in itself this year with over 6,000 candidates; I work with members who have issues with their teaching licensure; I serve on several advisory boards and commissions; I facilitate leadership training for NCAE members; and the old standby...other duties as assigned. :) There's more to it...but the list could go on, and on.
In North Carolina, there are three of us that work in our Center for Teaching and Learning at NCAE. (In many states, this work is referred to as IPD - Instructional and Professional Development.) There is someone in just about every state's NEA affiliate that does this work. Some states, like Massachussetts where my friend Kathy Skinner leads the way, there are several staffers (like 10-15); others, such as Texas and Alaska, have one person who handles all IPD work, and does other things as well. I'm fortunate - in NC, this is my lot in life. My primary work is IPD work. And I LOVE it. I never thought I'd leave the classroom....but...when the time came, I jumped, because honestly, this is about the only thing that could have dragged me away.
Now that you know what I do...why am I in NOLA? Well...all of us that do this work, this IPD work, across the country, came together many years ago to create an affinity network called the National Staff Association for the Improvement of Instruction, or NSAII. We are nearly 200 members strong - which is a feat given how many of us are doing this work (we are fewer than 250). We come together once a year to share information and work with each other, and to 'sharpen our saws' so that we can continue to improve the work that we do. So...I'm in New Orleans for the annual NSAII conference, which is a joint effort with the NEA's Center for Great Public Schools, which focuses on teacher quality and research.
Did I mention that I'm also the Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President for NSAII? Yeah. Pretty much since I joined the NCAE staff. I'm not the greatest VP in the world...but I try.
So...that's what's brought me to NOLA. So let me tell you what's been going on since I got here.
The flight down was almost perfect. I wish I could have stayed in Nashville longer...but that just gives me a place to go for vacation, because I would LOVE to be able to spend some quality time in Music City USA! Once I got to Louis Armstrong Airport, memories of my first trip here six years ago (for an NEA National Representative Assembly) came flooding back. Man, we had a great time! Those were good days...and they were good memories until my cabbie decided to try to drive at warp speed to get me to my hotel, and he hit a bump and my head nearly went through the roof of the minivan he was driving. The needle didn't go below 80 the entire time. I was quite happy to put my feet on the ground.
The hotel I'm at is called the Omni Royal Orleans. It's on St. Louis St. (or Rue Saint Louis) in the French Quarter. And just ONE BLOCK away from Bourbon Street! My room is beautiful...and I have a jacuzzi tub. No kidding. A jacuzzi tub. Yes...I've already used it...twice. :)
I had to take a small walking trip yesterday afternoon because I managed somehow to leave all four of the charging cords for my iPhone in North Carolina (work, Town Hall, and home), so I had to find the AT&T store and buy one. The store was literally nine blocks from my hotel, straight down Royal across Canal. Canal Street is amazing. It's so cool to just walk down. I didn't get to spend much time down there...but it was just cool! (When I win Powerball, I'm getting a home here.)
We had dinner last night at Arnaud's, which is a world reknowned restaurant just off Bourbon Street. Bourbon wasn't very lively when we walked to dinner...but Lord, were the beads flying when we walked back. (And how stupid did I look walking down Bourbon wearing a tie?) Dinner was great - I actually ate seafood...okay, crabcakes, but they count - and dessert was fantastic. (You know me...the food is the most important.) The restaurant was pretty amazing, too...because it's 14 different homes cobbled together to create a restaurant that's literally about half a block. (These are big blocks. too.)
This morning, and most of the day today, we're in working sessions. Until about 2:00 today, we're in NEA Research 'Boot Camp,' which is an opportunity for us to hear from some great researchers about current issues in educational research. (I'm not a big researcher...but I always glean a good deal from this part.) This afternoon, we'll have two different pre-conference sessions, and then our opening session that'll run until about 9:00 tonight. (And at that point...I'll likely take care of a couple of things and go to bed. I've also gotta find a place for my region to dine out tomorrow...the work of a VP is never done...)
I'll share more when I get the chance. Forgive me for taking so long to write again...it's been a bit on the crazy side these past few weeks between work, Frankenfest, et al. Annie...you've gotta do a better job...don't let me go for more than a week!
Catch ya soon!
I'm currently in Cajun Country...that's right, I'm in New Orleans! Why? Allow me to explain (why I'm not just here on a vacation, which I never really take).
Most of you know that I work for the NC Association of Educators. How many of you know what I actually do? I thought so. :) My official title is 'Education Consultant,' which is a pretty way of saying, "he does just about everything we can think of except due process cases.' In reality, my work is that of professional development for educators across the state of North Carolina. I lead and facilitate workshops for teachers; I coordinate support for candidates (teachers) for National Board Certification, which is just about a full time job in itself this year with over 6,000 candidates; I work with members who have issues with their teaching licensure; I serve on several advisory boards and commissions; I facilitate leadership training for NCAE members; and the old standby...other duties as assigned. :) There's more to it...but the list could go on, and on.
In North Carolina, there are three of us that work in our Center for Teaching and Learning at NCAE. (In many states, this work is referred to as IPD - Instructional and Professional Development.) There is someone in just about every state's NEA affiliate that does this work. Some states, like Massachussetts where my friend Kathy Skinner leads the way, there are several staffers (like 10-15); others, such as Texas and Alaska, have one person who handles all IPD work, and does other things as well. I'm fortunate - in NC, this is my lot in life. My primary work is IPD work. And I LOVE it. I never thought I'd leave the classroom....but...when the time came, I jumped, because honestly, this is about the only thing that could have dragged me away.
Now that you know what I do...why am I in NOLA? Well...all of us that do this work, this IPD work, across the country, came together many years ago to create an affinity network called the National Staff Association for the Improvement of Instruction, or NSAII. We are nearly 200 members strong - which is a feat given how many of us are doing this work (we are fewer than 250). We come together once a year to share information and work with each other, and to 'sharpen our saws' so that we can continue to improve the work that we do. So...I'm in New Orleans for the annual NSAII conference, which is a joint effort with the NEA's Center for Great Public Schools, which focuses on teacher quality and research.
Did I mention that I'm also the Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President for NSAII? Yeah. Pretty much since I joined the NCAE staff. I'm not the greatest VP in the world...but I try.
So...that's what's brought me to NOLA. So let me tell you what's been going on since I got here.
The flight down was almost perfect. I wish I could have stayed in Nashville longer...but that just gives me a place to go for vacation, because I would LOVE to be able to spend some quality time in Music City USA! Once I got to Louis Armstrong Airport, memories of my first trip here six years ago (for an NEA National Representative Assembly) came flooding back. Man, we had a great time! Those were good days...and they were good memories until my cabbie decided to try to drive at warp speed to get me to my hotel, and he hit a bump and my head nearly went through the roof of the minivan he was driving. The needle didn't go below 80 the entire time. I was quite happy to put my feet on the ground.
The hotel I'm at is called the Omni Royal Orleans. It's on St. Louis St. (or Rue Saint Louis) in the French Quarter. And just ONE BLOCK away from Bourbon Street! My room is beautiful...and I have a jacuzzi tub. No kidding. A jacuzzi tub. Yes...I've already used it...twice. :)
I had to take a small walking trip yesterday afternoon because I managed somehow to leave all four of the charging cords for my iPhone in North Carolina (work, Town Hall, and home), so I had to find the AT&T store and buy one. The store was literally nine blocks from my hotel, straight down Royal across Canal. Canal Street is amazing. It's so cool to just walk down. I didn't get to spend much time down there...but it was just cool! (When I win Powerball, I'm getting a home here.)
We had dinner last night at Arnaud's, which is a world reknowned restaurant just off Bourbon Street. Bourbon wasn't very lively when we walked to dinner...but Lord, were the beads flying when we walked back. (And how stupid did I look walking down Bourbon wearing a tie?) Dinner was great - I actually ate seafood...okay, crabcakes, but they count - and dessert was fantastic. (You know me...the food is the most important.) The restaurant was pretty amazing, too...because it's 14 different homes cobbled together to create a restaurant that's literally about half a block. (These are big blocks. too.)
This morning, and most of the day today, we're in working sessions. Until about 2:00 today, we're in NEA Research 'Boot Camp,' which is an opportunity for us to hear from some great researchers about current issues in educational research. (I'm not a big researcher...but I always glean a good deal from this part.) This afternoon, we'll have two different pre-conference sessions, and then our opening session that'll run until about 9:00 tonight. (And at that point...I'll likely take care of a couple of things and go to bed. I've also gotta find a place for my region to dine out tomorrow...the work of a VP is never done...)
I'll share more when I get the chance. Forgive me for taking so long to write again...it's been a bit on the crazy side these past few weeks between work, Frankenfest, et al. Annie...you've gotta do a better job...don't let me go for more than a week!
Catch ya soon!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
It's Been a Minute...Sorry...
My reminder service hasn't reminded me that I hadn't written in almost two weeks. I've been at Town Hall today taking care of things I hadn't been here to do most of the week. We are FULL for Frankenfest! I'm so excited! I think it's going to be a great day - and if you're a person of faith, please send one up for good weather. We've got 89 booth spaces filled, with a couple of more possibilities...and who knows if someone will show up on the morning of the event? YAY!
I'm about to head to Greenville for the NC League of Municipalities annual conference. I had planned to go to the session on ethics in government...but I put it in my calendar wrong...and realized it much too late. I needed to be in Greenville at 1:00 for that one...oops. I guess I'll have to wait until I go to the Essentials of Municipal Government class (again) for that piece. I'm hopeful that the entire Board of Commissioners will be able to attend the Essentials courses this year. It's a great class...and great information. I know I learned a lot.
The NCLM Conference is one great place to learn new tricks and tips. I know last year it's where I got the ideas I'm trying to implement for our gang prevention plan here in Town. I'm excited about this year's sessions...and I'm also excited to not be going alone! Thankfully, Commissioner Fuller will be going with me.
It's been a busy week. Monday and Tuesday, I had to get ready for our fall conference at work (NCAE). We had our conference Thursday - Saturday. It went well, if I do say so myself. Very few errors, which was nice. :) That's not always the case when there are five people trying to make everything come together, but it really went off with only a couple of glitches, which weren't visible to the average attendee. We had 300+ there, and most everyone seemed happy - especially my National Board Certification candidates! As of yesterday, there are just over 5,000 candidates for National Board Certification. 5 0 0 0 ! I can't believe it - my prediction came true! (I'll take the winnings of that bet now, Dorsey.) My hopes are high for their certification rate - I hope they all reach out for support! It's crucial not to do it alone!
I also had my ten year college reunion this weekend, which I didn't get to go to much of due to the NCAE Conference. That's okay - apparently, it wasn't the most well attended event in Elon's history. LOL I did get to go to my 10 year reunion party, which had all of 15 attendees. Yeehaw. But - I got to see a couple of good friends from college that I haven't seen in seven or eight years, so that was awesome! No door prizes for me...oh well.
Speaking of reunions...about a week ago, we had a reunion 'meeting' for my 15 year high school reunion. Jeez louise...I cannot believe it'll be 15 years since I walked that stage at Louisburg College Auditorium next June. (June 1, to be exact.) I had a BALL with the folks that showed up. I haven't seen some of them since we walked across that stage - some of them were my very best friends in high school. Time is a beast. My new year's resolution...which gives me until then to make it happen...is to be better about my social life...to ensure that I have one. Relationships are important...and I absolutely refuse to get to the end, where unfortunately God doesn't give credit for wasted time, and realize I've lost touch with some of the most important people in the world. So...it was a good time. :)
Okay...time to head to Greenville. Have a great Monday! I'll write again soon!
I'm about to head to Greenville for the NC League of Municipalities annual conference. I had planned to go to the session on ethics in government...but I put it in my calendar wrong...and realized it much too late. I needed to be in Greenville at 1:00 for that one...oops. I guess I'll have to wait until I go to the Essentials of Municipal Government class (again) for that piece. I'm hopeful that the entire Board of Commissioners will be able to attend the Essentials courses this year. It's a great class...and great information. I know I learned a lot.
The NCLM Conference is one great place to learn new tricks and tips. I know last year it's where I got the ideas I'm trying to implement for our gang prevention plan here in Town. I'm excited about this year's sessions...and I'm also excited to not be going alone! Thankfully, Commissioner Fuller will be going with me.
It's been a busy week. Monday and Tuesday, I had to get ready for our fall conference at work (NCAE). We had our conference Thursday - Saturday. It went well, if I do say so myself. Very few errors, which was nice. :) That's not always the case when there are five people trying to make everything come together, but it really went off with only a couple of glitches, which weren't visible to the average attendee. We had 300+ there, and most everyone seemed happy - especially my National Board Certification candidates! As of yesterday, there are just over 5,000 candidates for National Board Certification. 5 0 0 0 ! I can't believe it - my prediction came true! (I'll take the winnings of that bet now, Dorsey.) My hopes are high for their certification rate - I hope they all reach out for support! It's crucial not to do it alone!
I also had my ten year college reunion this weekend, which I didn't get to go to much of due to the NCAE Conference. That's okay - apparently, it wasn't the most well attended event in Elon's history. LOL I did get to go to my 10 year reunion party, which had all of 15 attendees. Yeehaw. But - I got to see a couple of good friends from college that I haven't seen in seven or eight years, so that was awesome! No door prizes for me...oh well.
Speaking of reunions...about a week ago, we had a reunion 'meeting' for my 15 year high school reunion. Jeez louise...I cannot believe it'll be 15 years since I walked that stage at Louisburg College Auditorium next June. (June 1, to be exact.) I had a BALL with the folks that showed up. I haven't seen some of them since we walked across that stage - some of them were my very best friends in high school. Time is a beast. My new year's resolution...which gives me until then to make it happen...is to be better about my social life...to ensure that I have one. Relationships are important...and I absolutely refuse to get to the end, where unfortunately God doesn't give credit for wasted time, and realize I've lost touch with some of the most important people in the world. So...it was a good time. :)
Okay...time to head to Greenville. Have a great Monday! I'll write again soon!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Streets and Sidewalks...Again
You may have heard that Franklinton received a $40,000 grant to create a full Capital Improvement Plan. Why would we need something like this? Because we want to ensure that we have a plan for how to improve infrastructure in Franklinton over the next 25 years. One big piece of this is our streets. As you likely know, there are many streets in Franklinton that are in a severe state of disrepair. So why haven’t we already fixed them? Because we know that it’s likely we’ll have to replace water or sewer lines in those same areas…which is why we aren’t repaving, only to have to patch what we’ve just paved when we replace lines. The Board of Commissioners and Staff are doing our best to be diligent and efficient when it comes to the use of your money – and it’s all your money in one way or another.
One major street I am concerned with, however, is Janice Avenue. It is perhaps the most heavily used side street in Franklinton, and I’d hedge my bets to say it’s likely the fifth or sixth most heavily trafficked street in Town. And it’s falling apart. I’d like to see it repaved at the least, and curbed and guttered at the best. We’re working on it now. Once we know how much it will cost, we’ll bring it to the Board for discussion. We have over $200K in the fund balance (the money left over from previous budgets that hasn’t been spent…effectively, the Town’s savings account) that can only be used for streets and sidewalks. These are important issues to me. And I promise…in the next two years, hopefully we’ll see some movement on them.
One major street I am concerned with, however, is Janice Avenue. It is perhaps the most heavily used side street in Franklinton, and I’d hedge my bets to say it’s likely the fifth or sixth most heavily trafficked street in Town. And it’s falling apart. I’d like to see it repaved at the least, and curbed and guttered at the best. We’re working on it now. Once we know how much it will cost, we’ll bring it to the Board for discussion. We have over $200K in the fund balance (the money left over from previous budgets that hasn’t been spent…effectively, the Town’s savings account) that can only be used for streets and sidewalks. These are important issues to me. And I promise…in the next two years, hopefully we’ll see some movement on them.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Dogs...
Most everyone knows I have two dogs. My kids are a brother and a sister, Will and Grace. They really are brother and sister…even though they look NOTHING alike. They are WONDERFUL. They just turned five. I adopted them in August 2004 from my aunt’s home at Kerr Lake (which is right beside my family’s place there). Her dog Wuppie had puppies…yes, I know. It’s quite Dr. Seuss. There were several puppies. I originally wanted to have two black dogs, to match my black cat. (Don’t ask…) Well, my cousin Evan gave away the last black male in the litter, so there were three puppies left when I came to get them. I wanted to have at least two, so they wouldn’t be lonely. What I should have done was take all three. It left one poor little puppy that eventually disappeared with her mom! Oh well..
So, I took Will and Grace home…they both fit in my hand…and Will’s feet didn’t fit his body yet. They were dirty…so they took a bath…and the water was RED. I had no idea Will was such a light color of yellowish white! And Grace wasn’t purple! They were great puppies…until they ate the linoleum off the kitchen floor…and the paneling off the wall…and the facing on the door. Yeah…you figured it out. Pets have destroyed my house.
They’re great dogs…even at five. J They’re the neighborhood watch dogs. They don’t bark, unless there’s something going on. They’re just the best!
So, I took Will and Grace home…they both fit in my hand…and Will’s feet didn’t fit his body yet. They were dirty…so they took a bath…and the water was RED. I had no idea Will was such a light color of yellowish white! And Grace wasn’t purple! They were great puppies…until they ate the linoleum off the kitchen floor…and the paneling off the wall…and the facing on the door. Yeah…you figured it out. Pets have destroyed my house.
They’re great dogs…even at five. J They’re the neighborhood watch dogs. They don’t bark, unless there’s something going on. They’re just the best!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
An Empty Open House
Can someone tell me why in the world I'd spend time doing something that nobody would show up for? I can't figure it out either. When I ran for this office, many folks told me that they'd like to have an opportunity to talk to their elected officials, to hear what's going on, etc., but they can't always make Board meetings and can't get to Town Hall during business hours. So...we've been having quarterly open houses for two years. For the first couple, people came. Nobody showed for the one we held today...and they didn't show in August, either.
What does that mean? Likely that we're not going to do another one until May. I see no reason to host one in February to disrupt the weekend of our staff members that have to be here for it when nobody's going to take advantage of it.
Your thoughts?
What does that mean? Likely that we're not going to do another one until May. I see no reason to host one in February to disrupt the weekend of our staff members that have to be here for it when nobody's going to take advantage of it.
Your thoughts?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Cats...
If you’ve ever seen my Facebook page…you know I have four cats. Technically…they’re still kittens. I don’t think they become cats until they’re two. Spike, Sprite, Speedo and Phoenix were born on April 28, 2008 in my front yard. How’d I end up keeping them? Their mom adopted me. I hadn’t planned on adopting another pet after my 16 year old cat Kentucky passed away in January 2007…but Yang (who became Oreo when my neighbor adopted her) showed up on my doorstep. I had no idea she was pregnant when I started feeding her. She was very obviously someone else’s pet. I checked around, and nobody belonged to her…so…I took her in. And then, the last Sunday in April, she followed me around the yard the whole afternoon. It started raining, and she didn’t care…I know now she was looking for somewhere to have her kittens, and she wanted me to help. I woke up the next morning, and my roommate had already left for work…and Yang was laying where the front of his car would have been. When I shook the food canister, she just rolled over and looked at me…and I just knew something was wrong, that she was injured, that somehow, something had happened.
Turns out, something had happened. She had four furry balls attached to her belly. So, I did what any normal pet owner would do. I scooped them all up, put them in a pet carrier, and took them to my mom’s house for safe keeping. I knew I couldn’t take care of them. I visited them nearly every day for three weeks. The smallest of the babies really didn’t like me…even before her eyes opened, she hissed at me, and got her toenail stuck in my forehead trying to fight me. She was two weeks old. Nothing like foreshadowing.
I took them home on Mother’s Day weekend. We kept them in my kitchen, under the table in a little bed. There were no flea issues until much later on, so all was well…until one day in late June when Yang decided that she wanted out…so she bolted out the door and was GONE. She hung around outside, but wanted nothing more to do with her babies…so I let her stay there. And try as I might…I couldn’t get anyone to adopt any of the babies. So…by the time August rolled around, they were there months old, and I was in love. No adoption other than my own would work.
Spike warmed up to me first. He really liked to lay in my lap. (He still does.) Speedo followed. He is one big ol’ cat! He, like his mom, doesn’t like to be held, but he LOVES to lay on you, lay around you, rub his nose against yours…or ram his head into yours. He is perhaps the most loving animal I have ever met. His sisters took a bit longer. Sprite had a moment when she was about four or five months old…she decided to destroy a couple of things in the house…so I decided to pop her little behind. And she had issues with me for the next six months. It wasn’t until this past April or so that she started allowing me to pet her. Now, you’d think she was an attachment. Every time I turn around, she’s walking in front of the couch, waiting to be rubbed or petted…I just wish she’d gain some weight. Somehow, I managed to have four cats…small, medium, large and extra large. Sprite weighs about five pounds…maybe six. Phoenix, my other little girl who LIVES to sleep with me on the bed, weighs about eight pounds. Spike checks in at around eleven…and Speedo is about fifteen. He’s mammoth.
So those are my kids. Their picture is on my website…but the one on my Facebook profile is priceless…they’re following light, but it looks like they’re mesmerized by the family portrait. Entertainment at its best.
Turns out, something had happened. She had four furry balls attached to her belly. So, I did what any normal pet owner would do. I scooped them all up, put them in a pet carrier, and took them to my mom’s house for safe keeping. I knew I couldn’t take care of them. I visited them nearly every day for three weeks. The smallest of the babies really didn’t like me…even before her eyes opened, she hissed at me, and got her toenail stuck in my forehead trying to fight me. She was two weeks old. Nothing like foreshadowing.
I took them home on Mother’s Day weekend. We kept them in my kitchen, under the table in a little bed. There were no flea issues until much later on, so all was well…until one day in late June when Yang decided that she wanted out…so she bolted out the door and was GONE. She hung around outside, but wanted nothing more to do with her babies…so I let her stay there. And try as I might…I couldn’t get anyone to adopt any of the babies. So…by the time August rolled around, they were there months old, and I was in love. No adoption other than my own would work.
Spike warmed up to me first. He really liked to lay in my lap. (He still does.) Speedo followed. He is one big ol’ cat! He, like his mom, doesn’t like to be held, but he LOVES to lay on you, lay around you, rub his nose against yours…or ram his head into yours. He is perhaps the most loving animal I have ever met. His sisters took a bit longer. Sprite had a moment when she was about four or five months old…she decided to destroy a couple of things in the house…so I decided to pop her little behind. And she had issues with me for the next six months. It wasn’t until this past April or so that she started allowing me to pet her. Now, you’d think she was an attachment. Every time I turn around, she’s walking in front of the couch, waiting to be rubbed or petted…I just wish she’d gain some weight. Somehow, I managed to have four cats…small, medium, large and extra large. Sprite weighs about five pounds…maybe six. Phoenix, my other little girl who LIVES to sleep with me on the bed, weighs about eight pounds. Spike checks in at around eleven…and Speedo is about fifteen. He’s mammoth.
So those are my kids. Their picture is on my website…but the one on my Facebook profile is priceless…they’re following light, but it looks like they’re mesmerized by the family portrait. Entertainment at its best.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Frankenfest on Main
Yep...it's that time of year again. Frankenfest on Main is approaching. I've spent the past four hours working on preparation here at my office at Town Hall. Things are coming along swimmingly...but wouldn't you like to help? You can! SHOW UP! The biggest help we could have is to have folks come out, shop with our vendors, buy food and raffle tickets, and support the Town and the URC! It's that support that's allowed us to put up new banners in downtown, that's going to promote our being able to do a downtown facade grant program, and that will promote the URC placing a Christmas tree in downtown Franklinton for the holiday season! Isn't that awesome?! We're stoked! So come out and support the efforts of these volunteers! The URC (all 15 or 20 of us) is a hard working group - they pour themselves into this weekend, everybody with their own niche. Let's show our appreciation by coming out and having a great day on October 31!
And Annie...thanks for the reminder. I'll try to do better.
And Annie...thanks for the reminder. I'll try to do better.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Franklinton Chamber of Commerce
By now, you’re likely aware that the Franklinton Township Chamber of Commerce has ‘come back to life,’ so to speak. This organization, in existence for nearly 25 years, has been kept alive by a core group of folks in the past couple of years. Thanks to the efforts of past president Darrell Chalk, new members have been brought to the Chamber, as have new, active members. I joined a year ago, and though it took us a few months to get moving, we kicked into high gear in November around the Christmas parade. An event that normally takes six months to prepare was handled in six weeks, thanks to the hard work and diligence of the Franklinton Fire Department, members of the Chamber, and Tammy Ray, Town Planner.
The Chamber next moved to host Fun in the Sun, it’s annual spring festival in downtown Franklinton. Of course, as anything I do outdoors does, it rained. But it was a wonderful day, and we had people from all over the area visit with us that day! Since then, however, the Chamber has worked to try and determine its next course of action. There are several things the Chamber could do – business directories, discount coupons and cards, other events…but when do we do them and what do we do? Of course, the Chamber would be able to do more if we had more members…so won’t you join us? If you’re a business owner in the greater Franklinton area, if you’re a citizen of the greater Franklinton area, or you just want to support the Chamber, become a member today!
The Chamber next moved to host Fun in the Sun, it’s annual spring festival in downtown Franklinton. Of course, as anything I do outdoors does, it rained. But it was a wonderful day, and we had people from all over the area visit with us that day! Since then, however, the Chamber has worked to try and determine its next course of action. There are several things the Chamber could do – business directories, discount coupons and cards, other events…but when do we do them and what do we do? Of course, the Chamber would be able to do more if we had more members…so won’t you join us? If you’re a business owner in the greater Franklinton area, if you’re a citizen of the greater Franklinton area, or you just want to support the Chamber, become a member today!
Getting Around Town
I don’t get out as much as I’d like to. I must admit…work has been a bit hectic lately…summer is oddly a very busy time for us at NCAE, because that’s when we do a lot of teacher workshops, conferences, and leadership trainings. Coupled with working with the URC, working with Arts Alive, working with the Chamber…I only get to go where I’m invited. Please invite me! I LOVE to go to events, to visit with people! I just don’t always get an invitation, or an opportunity. If you’ll invite me…I’ll do my level best to be there!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
July 4th
What a great day it was! I had a blast. I managed to enjoy part of the day at the lake, and then headed back to Franklinton for the day’s events. Tammy, Kim, Kate, et al, had already packed everything up, and were ready to head to the athletic complex. I got there, and again, the dunk tank was off the field. (I’ve said it two years in a row now…the dunk tank has to be on the field, otherwise nobody comes over to use it!) We made about $100, which was cool. How’d we do it? Well…I spent three and a half hours being dunked like a fool…and I really appreciated the half hour break Harvey Satterwhite gave me. LOL Several people…mostly kids…came back three or four times with their $1 for 3 throws. One young man threw like he was in the major leagues. The baseballs flew into the tank a couple of times. A couple of folks spent about $10…and never dunked me. They got courtesy dunks, thanks to Anne Deal.
When I finally got out, and headed back to the URC booth to help Kim, Tammy & Kate…they were SLAMMED! Apparently, those glowing sticks, necklaces, yo-yos, and bouncy balls were quite the popular. We sold out of EVERYTHING we had. Next year, Tammy plans to order a bit more, I believe…
The American Legion did a wonderful job orchestrating the day. They had a very popular concession stand, and the entertainment was pretty good, too! (Commissioner Cutchins even got to sing ‘Franklinton.’ ) The brief video they showed prior to the fireworks was very well done – and the fireworks were great, too! I hate that we’re limited by the location we have to do it – but we don’t have any other location, so we’re tied to the athletic complex. But the fireworks we have are amazing, and even the hundreds of folks stopped along US 1 agreed! (That will be a bit better controlled next year.) The most wonderful part is that there has yet to be a skirmish, no scuffles, no issues….everyone just goes with the flow. And there were well over 2500 people there…and when you consider the 2000 census said we had 1745 citizens, and 2005 said 2409…we most ASSUREDLY had folks from outside of town come in! (Thus…tourism!!!)
I’d like to say thanks to all of the American Legion, the different groups and organizations who took part, and to everyone who came – you made it one wonderful event!
When I finally got out, and headed back to the URC booth to help Kim, Tammy & Kate…they were SLAMMED! Apparently, those glowing sticks, necklaces, yo-yos, and bouncy balls were quite the popular. We sold out of EVERYTHING we had. Next year, Tammy plans to order a bit more, I believe…
The American Legion did a wonderful job orchestrating the day. They had a very popular concession stand, and the entertainment was pretty good, too! (Commissioner Cutchins even got to sing ‘Franklinton.’ ) The brief video they showed prior to the fireworks was very well done – and the fireworks were great, too! I hate that we’re limited by the location we have to do it – but we don’t have any other location, so we’re tied to the athletic complex. But the fireworks we have are amazing, and even the hundreds of folks stopped along US 1 agreed! (That will be a bit better controlled next year.) The most wonderful part is that there has yet to be a skirmish, no scuffles, no issues….everyone just goes with the flow. And there were well over 2500 people there…and when you consider the 2000 census said we had 1745 citizens, and 2005 said 2409…we most ASSUREDLY had folks from outside of town come in! (Thus…tourism!!!)
I’d like to say thanks to all of the American Legion, the different groups and organizations who took part, and to everyone who came – you made it one wonderful event!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Website and Newsletter in Franklinton
So…why do we have a newsletter? After all, we have a website, and I have this blog, and my own website, right? Well, yes…but…how many 90 year olds are bloggers? (I think we’d all be surprised.) The gist of it is that we produce the newsletter so that we can maintain constant communication and keep all of our citizens updated. The newsletter is an important tool, but it’s just one tool. That’s why we have the website!
Our website is brand new – and yet, it’s not. We’ve had a website for about four years. However, it didn’t get functional until it got a new address. About four months ago, it went live. And I couldn’t be more proud of our Assistant Town Clerk, Wendy Gilliam! She’s learned, in very short order, how to make things happen with the website. We have most of our minutes from the last year or so posted, as well as all agendas, and important announcements. We put newsflashes there, and other pertinent information. It’s a near miracle that it’s up – because we weren’t sure how that would happen. But it’s coming along swimmingly, so please, please, please – use it! You can also e-mail all of your town commissioners there, as well as town staff! We’re going to be using it to bring more information to you. Look for updates weekly!
Our website is brand new – and yet, it’s not. We’ve had a website for about four years. However, it didn’t get functional until it got a new address. About four months ago, it went live. And I couldn’t be more proud of our Assistant Town Clerk, Wendy Gilliam! She’s learned, in very short order, how to make things happen with the website. We have most of our minutes from the last year or so posted, as well as all agendas, and important announcements. We put newsflashes there, and other pertinent information. It’s a near miracle that it’s up – because we weren’t sure how that would happen. But it’s coming along swimmingly, so please, please, please – use it! You can also e-mail all of your town commissioners there, as well as town staff! We’re going to be using it to bring more information to you. Look for updates weekly!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Water Discoloration
By now, everybody knows what happened. The water turned brownish-orange. It happened! I know…why bother talking about it now? Well, because I want to clarify a couple of things. Firstly, I didn’t find out what was happening until Saturday afternoon…so I was as in the dark as everybody else was. Secondly, can I ask for a little bit of patience? I know it's an inconvenience, and I know it was a bit freaky...but...I can't fix anything I don't know about, and I can't snap my fingers to make anything happen...my election didn't come with a magic wand.
Now, here’s where I’ll apologize. I snapped at a couple of people that Friday that I shouldn't have – because before asking how I was, before even greeting me, I was hit with, “You can’t even use the water in this town! We pay an arm and a leg for it, and you can’t use it!” Thus…I wasn’t in the best frame of mind at that moment, especially given things I had going on in my own life at that point. (You’ll read about that later.) So, for being less than cordial, I do apologize. (I apologized then, too...)
Should we have done things a little differently? You bet. Town staff have taken several steps so that this ‘perfect storm’ doesn’t happen again. A challenge of this magnitude hasn’t happened in quite some time…thus, we didn't know that it would get that bad, especially that fast. We did our best to correct it as quickly as possible…forgive us that it wasn’t as fast as it perhaps could have been, and that we didn’t put a notice up right away. But I promise…we’ll be better from now on.
Now, here’s where I’ll apologize. I snapped at a couple of people that Friday that I shouldn't have – because before asking how I was, before even greeting me, I was hit with, “You can’t even use the water in this town! We pay an arm and a leg for it, and you can’t use it!” Thus…I wasn’t in the best frame of mind at that moment, especially given things I had going on in my own life at that point. (You’ll read about that later.) So, for being less than cordial, I do apologize. (I apologized then, too...)
Should we have done things a little differently? You bet. Town staff have taken several steps so that this ‘perfect storm’ doesn’t happen again. A challenge of this magnitude hasn’t happened in quite some time…thus, we didn't know that it would get that bad, especially that fast. We did our best to correct it as quickly as possible…forgive us that it wasn’t as fast as it perhaps could have been, and that we didn’t put a notice up right away. But I promise…we’ll be better from now on.
Why’d It Take Me So Long?
This summer has been NUTS! And it’s AUGUST! What in the world? You’ll have to forgive me for taking so long to post in between. Between Movies on Main, an attempt at a vacation, the funeral of a friend, work, a two week ‘tour’ at three conferences, blah, blah, blah…it’s been busy. And I haven’t taken the time to write. Sorry…but I’ll do better. (I know…I’ve said that a lot.) Won’t happen every day…but it’ll happen. :)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Streets...and Lateness...
I know, I know...forgive me. It's only been three months! I must admit, after writing that last blog entry, I wasn't that thrilled about writing again...mainly because I was a little bit...face down in the dirt, so they say. Since then, though, I've had many great conversations with local leaders, friends, colleagues, and the like...and I must tell you, I feel a great deal better, even though what was done is done. Oh well. Things happen...but when they happen, it's my perspective that you deal with it and move on...and that's exactly what I've done...or tried to do, anyway. So, now that that's said...I PROMISE to be better about posting. I can't guarantee that I'll post every day...but here's a few thoughts for you today about streets.
I know it…you know it…we all know it…some of our streets are falling apart. It’s no secret. Here’s the silver lining…we have some ‘streets’ money stored away…and can do something about it! Here’s the paradox…we can pave those streets…but…what happens if a water line breaks? Then we have to punch the street we’ve just paved and fix the water line. (I know…I said it too.) So, why don’t we just pave the streets? Well, because we want to do things in a sensible manner…shocking, I realize, but there is a method. We’d like to be able to replace water lines and correct sewer lines before we pave the street. I think the way it was done in my neighborhood was actually the best way it could be done. The sewer line was run, the water lines were fixed, and then the new pavement was laid, and the street isn’t lumpy now!
We’re working on identifying how best to move forward. We’ve set our new budget up so that any capacity fees paid go into our capital reserve fund…which means that those funds are set aside and won’t be used to balance the budget, but will be used to replace water lines, etc. I see several priorities. I see West College Street. I see Janice Avenue, one of the most traveled streets in town. I see the entirety of Mason Street through our city limits. (Whoa. It’s falling apart.) I see Clegg Street. I see South Chavis Street. (That’s a DOT street, thankfully…which means maybe we’ll be able to get done sooner.)
You’re likely asking…why don’t I see Main Street? Well, Main Street is a DOT street/road…which means we have to work with DOT to get it paved. We’re working on it. I know the southern end is falling apart. So does DOT. You may know that they were out patching this morning. It’s still falling apart, though, and I’m working on requesting a repair that will last. Bear with us.
I know it…you know it…we all know it…some of our streets are falling apart. It’s no secret. Here’s the silver lining…we have some ‘streets’ money stored away…and can do something about it! Here’s the paradox…we can pave those streets…but…what happens if a water line breaks? Then we have to punch the street we’ve just paved and fix the water line. (I know…I said it too.) So, why don’t we just pave the streets? Well, because we want to do things in a sensible manner…shocking, I realize, but there is a method. We’d like to be able to replace water lines and correct sewer lines before we pave the street. I think the way it was done in my neighborhood was actually the best way it could be done. The sewer line was run, the water lines were fixed, and then the new pavement was laid, and the street isn’t lumpy now!
We’re working on identifying how best to move forward. We’ve set our new budget up so that any capacity fees paid go into our capital reserve fund…which means that those funds are set aside and won’t be used to balance the budget, but will be used to replace water lines, etc. I see several priorities. I see West College Street. I see Janice Avenue, one of the most traveled streets in town. I see the entirety of Mason Street through our city limits. (Whoa. It’s falling apart.) I see Clegg Street. I see South Chavis Street. (That’s a DOT street, thankfully…which means maybe we’ll be able to get done sooner.)
You’re likely asking…why don’t I see Main Street? Well, Main Street is a DOT street/road…which means we have to work with DOT to get it paved. We’re working on it. I know the southern end is falling apart. So does DOT. You may know that they were out patching this morning. It’s still falling apart, though, and I’m working on requesting a repair that will last. Bear with us.
Monday, March 16, 2009
When you just can't believe it...
When I started this blog during my campaign for mayor, I planned to not really talk about personal issues. Unfortunately, that plan got blown all to hell tonight. So, my friends, my citizens, I ask you to forgive the fact that for the next few lines, I'm ceeding my role as mayor, and stepping back into my role as a private citizen. So, until I'm done, if you've got a problem, call the mayor pro tempore. That's why we appointed her. (You know, honestly, the fact that I don't get to be a private citizen anymore kinda chaps at me...but...that's another issue for another day.)
Tonight, at the Franklin County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Bob Winters of Lake Royale introduced a resolution to be passed by the FCBOC in support of an amendment to the Constitution of the State of North Carolina that will, in effect, ban same sex couples from every having the right of marriage. The resolution was not on the printed agenda as provided to the public, and the members of the Board (as far as I know) were not provided a copy of this resolution prior to the meeting. Commissioner Winters read the resolution, which took about five minutes of the meeting, as it was quite lengthy, and was apparently a 'form' resolution which was provided by one of the litany of organizations opposed to full equality for GLBT citizens.
Once the resolution was read, Commissioner Rev. Sidney Dunston spoke to the Board regarding his opinion of the issue. While he noted that he personally believes that marriage is the union of a man and a woman, he also believes that such legislation is unnecessary as the State of North Carolina already has such laws on the books (currently known as the Defense of Marriage Act) and would basically be the Board entering into a political hot potato. Commissioner Winters then rebutted Commissioner Dunston's comments, and no other comments were made regarding such. Commissioner Penny McGhee-Young, representing Franklinton (which is my area, making her my representative) then asked about the first paragraph of the resolution, which was very specific regarding the opinion of the Board with respect to the definition of marriage and what it means to Franklin County and the disintegration of marriage unions is a detriment to the quality of life in Franklin County. She noted that she would prefer to have that paragraph removed, but that she was okay with the vote being put to the citizens. After that, there were no other comments.
That said, I then sat in the audience with about 100 other people who were actively avoiding looking at me while this Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 in favor of this resolution. Commissioners whom I have known my entire life, some who are good friends of my family, some who I thought I was fairly close to, all of whom I now have to work with for another two and a half years as the elected representative of my community, voted to endorse the legislation of hatred, bigotry and inequality. The lone dissent? Commissioner Sidney Dunston. Whatever your reasons, Commissioner, I thank you.
Now...you're likely wondering, why is this such a big deal to you? Well, for a number of reasons. I'm fairly confident it's no secret that I'm gay. (If you pay any attention to The Franklin Times, you're well aware. There's a reason my swearing in picture was the above the fold on January 1, 2008...and it's not because I'm so pretty. Until recently, that photo set the record for the number of comments on the Franklin Times website. Some badges we wear with pride, I suppose.) Of course, this impacts me personally. While my other half lives eight states away at the moment, what do we do when we decide we want to get married? The answer is, apparently, nothing in the State of North Carolina. What I can't get anyone to explain to me is, why is it that gay marriage scares religious straight people so much? What are you so afraid of? Are you frightened we'll be better at it? Ya'll certainly haven't managed to do a great job with it in the past 200 years. Take a look at the divorce rates. Are you afraid gays getting married will stimulate the economy? There is OVERWHELMING research to prove that if gays were able to get married, they would put over $5 billion in to the economy of this nation per year with wedding ceremonies alone. From a municipal perspective, that is municipal revenue! Or are you afraid of the 1,151 rights currently afforded to heterosexual couples that are denied to gay couples? Are you afraid I'll get more out of my tax return because I'll be able to claim head of household? Are you afraid I'll be better at being married? What is it?
And please, whatever you do, don't argue the religous aspect with me. Because I promise you, for every sin you cite with regards to sodomy, I'll throw one back at you. Shellfish anyone? I was raised BAPTIST. I know 'em all. Please take me on with that debate.
By now you know, I'm a little upset. Why? Because two hours ago, I sat in a crowded room, with full knowledge by the governing body in the room that I was the only gay person in the room, and that I am the only openly gay elected leader in Franklin County, while this vote was taken. How hard would it have been for someone to say, "Hey, just so you know, this is coming up." At least I wouldn't have been blindsided. The people in the room that were doing their best to avoid eye contact wouldn't have been so uncomfortable. And I wouldn't have had to look good friends in the eye while it happened. I will tell you, though, that tonight's actions explain a lot. I understand certain interpersonal interactions with others across the county a whole lot better now.
At this point, I can honestly say that for the first time in 32 years...I'm speechless. And that, as you know, is saying a lot.
Okay...rant over. I have more I can say. Feel free to contact me, but know that in discussing this issue, I'm not speaking as the Mayor of Franklinton...regardless of the fact that I was elected to serve, I'm still a citizen, I still get to vote (and don't you forget it), and I still get to have my own personal opinion. And NOBODY can take that away from me. NOBODY.
Tonight, at the Franklin County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Bob Winters of Lake Royale introduced a resolution to be passed by the FCBOC in support of an amendment to the Constitution of the State of North Carolina that will, in effect, ban same sex couples from every having the right of marriage. The resolution was not on the printed agenda as provided to the public, and the members of the Board (as far as I know) were not provided a copy of this resolution prior to the meeting. Commissioner Winters read the resolution, which took about five minutes of the meeting, as it was quite lengthy, and was apparently a 'form' resolution which was provided by one of the litany of organizations opposed to full equality for GLBT citizens.
Once the resolution was read, Commissioner Rev. Sidney Dunston spoke to the Board regarding his opinion of the issue. While he noted that he personally believes that marriage is the union of a man and a woman, he also believes that such legislation is unnecessary as the State of North Carolina already has such laws on the books (currently known as the Defense of Marriage Act) and would basically be the Board entering into a political hot potato. Commissioner Winters then rebutted Commissioner Dunston's comments, and no other comments were made regarding such. Commissioner Penny McGhee-Young, representing Franklinton (which is my area, making her my representative) then asked about the first paragraph of the resolution, which was very specific regarding the opinion of the Board with respect to the definition of marriage and what it means to Franklin County and the disintegration of marriage unions is a detriment to the quality of life in Franklin County. She noted that she would prefer to have that paragraph removed, but that she was okay with the vote being put to the citizens. After that, there were no other comments.
That said, I then sat in the audience with about 100 other people who were actively avoiding looking at me while this Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 in favor of this resolution. Commissioners whom I have known my entire life, some who are good friends of my family, some who I thought I was fairly close to, all of whom I now have to work with for another two and a half years as the elected representative of my community, voted to endorse the legislation of hatred, bigotry and inequality. The lone dissent? Commissioner Sidney Dunston. Whatever your reasons, Commissioner, I thank you.
Now...you're likely wondering, why is this such a big deal to you? Well, for a number of reasons. I'm fairly confident it's no secret that I'm gay. (If you pay any attention to The Franklin Times, you're well aware. There's a reason my swearing in picture was the above the fold on January 1, 2008...and it's not because I'm so pretty. Until recently, that photo set the record for the number of comments on the Franklin Times website. Some badges we wear with pride, I suppose.) Of course, this impacts me personally. While my other half lives eight states away at the moment, what do we do when we decide we want to get married? The answer is, apparently, nothing in the State of North Carolina. What I can't get anyone to explain to me is, why is it that gay marriage scares religious straight people so much? What are you so afraid of? Are you frightened we'll be better at it? Ya'll certainly haven't managed to do a great job with it in the past 200 years. Take a look at the divorce rates. Are you afraid gays getting married will stimulate the economy? There is OVERWHELMING research to prove that if gays were able to get married, they would put over $5 billion in to the economy of this nation per year with wedding ceremonies alone. From a municipal perspective, that is municipal revenue! Or are you afraid of the 1,151 rights currently afforded to heterosexual couples that are denied to gay couples? Are you afraid I'll get more out of my tax return because I'll be able to claim head of household? Are you afraid I'll be better at being married? What is it?
And please, whatever you do, don't argue the religous aspect with me. Because I promise you, for every sin you cite with regards to sodomy, I'll throw one back at you. Shellfish anyone? I was raised BAPTIST. I know 'em all. Please take me on with that debate.
By now you know, I'm a little upset. Why? Because two hours ago, I sat in a crowded room, with full knowledge by the governing body in the room that I was the only gay person in the room, and that I am the only openly gay elected leader in Franklin County, while this vote was taken. How hard would it have been for someone to say, "Hey, just so you know, this is coming up." At least I wouldn't have been blindsided. The people in the room that were doing their best to avoid eye contact wouldn't have been so uncomfortable. And I wouldn't have had to look good friends in the eye while it happened. I will tell you, though, that tonight's actions explain a lot. I understand certain interpersonal interactions with others across the county a whole lot better now.
At this point, I can honestly say that for the first time in 32 years...I'm speechless. And that, as you know, is saying a lot.
Okay...rant over. I have more I can say. Feel free to contact me, but know that in discussing this issue, I'm not speaking as the Mayor of Franklinton...regardless of the fact that I was elected to serve, I'm still a citizen, I still get to vote (and don't you forget it), and I still get to have my own personal opinion. And NOBODY can take that away from me. NOBODY.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Open House in Franklinton
If you hold it, they will come. Right? Apparently not. In an effort to open the government of the Town to its people, we held an open house last June, complete with catered breakfast. And you know who came? The Board. That’s right. Not one, single, solitary soul showed up to talk to the members of the Board, to air their issues, to ask their questions – and it was budget time! It almost felt like being back in the classroom – I reach out, and nobody takes the hand. Since then, we've held Open House a couple of other times, and we are committed as a Board to continue these open forums...but...if nobody shows up, why would we continue to expend the staff time to attend, as well as our own?
I’d like to see this as an opportunity for there to be open dialogue in our community. However – others may not see it this way. If this isn’t something the citizens of Franklinton want, it’s much easier to just tell us. But – we want you to know that we want to hear from you! We want to know what you’re thinking, what you have to say, etc. So come tell us! Our third quarter open house was at our February meeting. The fourth quarter open house will be on the same day as Fun in the Sun - May 16. Come and see us! Let us know what’s on your mind! What you think the priorities are! As my mom would say – I’d prefer not to see this as something that tried and couldn’t. So, take us up on this – let’s hear from you!
I’d like to see this as an opportunity for there to be open dialogue in our community. However – others may not see it this way. If this isn’t something the citizens of Franklinton want, it’s much easier to just tell us. But – we want you to know that we want to hear from you! We want to know what you’re thinking, what you have to say, etc. So come tell us! Our third quarter open house was at our February meeting. The fourth quarter open house will be on the same day as Fun in the Sun - May 16. Come and see us! Let us know what’s on your mind! What you think the priorities are! As my mom would say – I’d prefer not to see this as something that tried and couldn’t. So, take us up on this – let’s hear from you!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Water Issues in Franklinton
What water issues? Haven’t you noticed the rain over the past few months? Only kidding. While the rains of late have been nice, plentiful, and will eventually lead to bounties in crops hopefully, they aren’t really Franklinton’s real water issues. As you may know, we have two reservoirs to serve the water customers of the greater Franklinton area. We also have a contract with Franklin County that requires the Town to sell Franklin County Public Utilities (formerly Franklin Water and Sewer Authority) 350,000 gallons of water per day – and the contract still has 12 years to go on it. If you live in Franklinton, firstly, you should be glad that we have water to provide – some communities don’t. Secondly, we should also celebrate the fact that we’re able to partner with the County in providing a water source so that Franklin County has an additional place to go.
The flip side, however, is that droughts happen. As you may know, in 2007 we had a minor issue in Franklinton while other areas were having major challenges with the deterioration of the water source. This in turn not only prevented Franklinton from being able to provide the County with water, but also cost the Town money in the sale of that water. With this in mind, the Board of Commissioners is very interested in seeing the upper reservoir raised several feet. This would add an additional 700,000+ gallons of available raw water to be processed for citizens and businesses every day. As well, there’s an area on the south side of the current reservoir that could be used for a park once the dam is raised.
Additionally, there’s a challenge with some of the water lines around town, including several that are too small for the areas that they serve. This, of course, will cost money – everyone’s favorite topic! Yay! So what’s the next step? Well, there are a couple.
This budget year, we attempted to lower the basic utility rates, but in turn, we were hit with some higher costs from outside providers, and thus, we attempted to restructure the fees. Previously, the first 2,000 gallons of water cost $20.00, and each additional 1,000 cost $4.50; the first 2,000 gallons of sewer cost $21.00, and each additional 1,000 cost $7.20. The bill has been altered so that now, the first 1,000 gallons of water costs $15.00, the second 1,000 costs $2.50, and each additional 1,000 gallons costs $4.75. Now, your first 1,000 gallons of sewer costs $17.50, and each additional 1,000 gallons cost $7.80. Thus, 2,000 gallons of water costs $17.50, and 2,000 gallons of sewer costs $24.30. Additionally, the cost of sanitation went up, as well, to $16, due to a rate increase from Waste Industries. Folks, we tried. What does this mean for the future? Well, if we’re going to do anything with water system improvements, any number of things may have to happen, including that the debt service fee increases. For the record, the debt service fee brings in on average $72,000 per year. In reality, that isn’t much compared to debts in excess of $300,000 for water and sewer upgrades. So…we may see an increase there, though we’ll try to avoid it – and the same goes for the rates as well. However, some things are unavoidable, and if we’re forced to move on something, we’ll have to do it.
As we always do, we will continue to seek grants and no-interest loans so that we can make things as low-impact on our citizens as possible. I promise you that we do our best. That’s all anyone can do, I believe. As we see commercial citizens increase, the impact on residential citizens will decrease.
The flip side, however, is that droughts happen. As you may know, in 2007 we had a minor issue in Franklinton while other areas were having major challenges with the deterioration of the water source. This in turn not only prevented Franklinton from being able to provide the County with water, but also cost the Town money in the sale of that water. With this in mind, the Board of Commissioners is very interested in seeing the upper reservoir raised several feet. This would add an additional 700,000+ gallons of available raw water to be processed for citizens and businesses every day. As well, there’s an area on the south side of the current reservoir that could be used for a park once the dam is raised.
Additionally, there’s a challenge with some of the water lines around town, including several that are too small for the areas that they serve. This, of course, will cost money – everyone’s favorite topic! Yay! So what’s the next step? Well, there are a couple.
This budget year, we attempted to lower the basic utility rates, but in turn, we were hit with some higher costs from outside providers, and thus, we attempted to restructure the fees. Previously, the first 2,000 gallons of water cost $20.00, and each additional 1,000 cost $4.50; the first 2,000 gallons of sewer cost $21.00, and each additional 1,000 cost $7.20. The bill has been altered so that now, the first 1,000 gallons of water costs $15.00, the second 1,000 costs $2.50, and each additional 1,000 gallons costs $4.75. Now, your first 1,000 gallons of sewer costs $17.50, and each additional 1,000 gallons cost $7.80. Thus, 2,000 gallons of water costs $17.50, and 2,000 gallons of sewer costs $24.30. Additionally, the cost of sanitation went up, as well, to $16, due to a rate increase from Waste Industries. Folks, we tried. What does this mean for the future? Well, if we’re going to do anything with water system improvements, any number of things may have to happen, including that the debt service fee increases. For the record, the debt service fee brings in on average $72,000 per year. In reality, that isn’t much compared to debts in excess of $300,000 for water and sewer upgrades. So…we may see an increase there, though we’ll try to avoid it – and the same goes for the rates as well. However, some things are unavoidable, and if we’re forced to move on something, we’ll have to do it.
As we always do, we will continue to seek grants and no-interest loans so that we can make things as low-impact on our citizens as possible. I promise you that we do our best. That’s all anyone can do, I believe. As we see commercial citizens increase, the impact on residential citizens will decrease.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
What a Week...
...and it's only Thursday! At least we haven't had any electrical explosions this week...
On Tuesday evening, we opened the new Town Hall Annex, the Town's new meeting space. It's something we are all very proud of, as should be everyone in the Town of Franklinton! I must give credit where credit is due, though - the idea for moving our meeting space was that of our town manager Larry Carver. And a great idea it was! We've effectively tripled our meeting space, our staff (and the media) now have a place to sit, and we've got a mounted location for the projector so that presentations are a little easier now. I even got to have some input on the design of the space! Originally, the deis (where the Board sits) was going to be against the windows; in a conversation with Larry, I suggested we flip it around and put it at the back. Those conversations were the same way we ended up with a half-wall behind the right side of the deis (so no Commissioner rolls off the platform), and with a door on the left of the wall where the seal is so that we have two entrances for the Board to move into closed session. I even got to pick out the chairs! (So when you're comfortable sitting there...just smile and think of me testing out chairs.)
I also want to again thank my friends and colleagues from the Louisburg Town Council who were able to come and participate in our ribbon cutting. (We cut the ribbon in an odd place...we put it on the deis instead of the door - it's February! I wasn't about to make folks wait outside.) It was so nice of them to come! I also appreciate County Commissioner Sidney Dunston for coming to participate. As well, I want to thank each and every citizen who came out to participate and share in the event. This was for you, and I'm glad you were there!
Several folks that evening shared that they're keeping up with me by reading my blog...thank goodness somebody is! I had no idea! Now that I know someone's reading...I'll keep writing. (For those of you not interested...what are you doing here in the first place? :))
Yesterday, I attended the regular monthly CAMPO meeting. (CAMPO is the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization - they are the local group that works to plan for transportation needs in our area. Franklinton is a member, along with most of Franklin, Wake, Johnston, and Harnett Counties and most of the municipalities in those counties.) We heard about the Long Range Transportation Plan (which takes us 2035), and where hopes and priorities are placed. From it, I had questions surrounding the possiblity of bus service to Youngsville and Franklinton. (Maps showed bus service coming to Franklinton in 2035, but a small bus route to Youngsville from Capital Blvd. in 2025...but the entirety of Capital from Wake Forest to Franklinton was showing as coming in 2035, which made no sense to have a small bus route from downtown Youngsville to Capital in 2025 if there was no service to get to Wake Forest or anywhere else...you get my idea.) I got a much better explanation, and hopefully, when bus service comes to Youngsville, they'll be able to just hop, skip and jump on up the road that extra 5 miles and come to Franklinton...and after conversing with a representative from TTA, we may be able to see it sooner. (Buses are easier to relocate than trains, you know.) We shall see.
Today, I'm going to head back to town from work (very early) so that I can be present when Congressman Bob Etheridge speaks about the effect of the stimulus package on school construction in our area at Franklinton High School. He'll be there at 1:30. If I'm not mistaken, it's open to the public. (That's why I'm going!)
See you there!
On Tuesday evening, we opened the new Town Hall Annex, the Town's new meeting space. It's something we are all very proud of, as should be everyone in the Town of Franklinton! I must give credit where credit is due, though - the idea for moving our meeting space was that of our town manager Larry Carver. And a great idea it was! We've effectively tripled our meeting space, our staff (and the media) now have a place to sit, and we've got a mounted location for the projector so that presentations are a little easier now. I even got to have some input on the design of the space! Originally, the deis (where the Board sits) was going to be against the windows; in a conversation with Larry, I suggested we flip it around and put it at the back. Those conversations were the same way we ended up with a half-wall behind the right side of the deis (so no Commissioner rolls off the platform), and with a door on the left of the wall where the seal is so that we have two entrances for the Board to move into closed session. I even got to pick out the chairs! (So when you're comfortable sitting there...just smile and think of me testing out chairs.)
I also want to again thank my friends and colleagues from the Louisburg Town Council who were able to come and participate in our ribbon cutting. (We cut the ribbon in an odd place...we put it on the deis instead of the door - it's February! I wasn't about to make folks wait outside.) It was so nice of them to come! I also appreciate County Commissioner Sidney Dunston for coming to participate. As well, I want to thank each and every citizen who came out to participate and share in the event. This was for you, and I'm glad you were there!
Several folks that evening shared that they're keeping up with me by reading my blog...thank goodness somebody is! I had no idea! Now that I know someone's reading...I'll keep writing. (For those of you not interested...what are you doing here in the first place? :))
Yesterday, I attended the regular monthly CAMPO meeting. (CAMPO is the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization - they are the local group that works to plan for transportation needs in our area. Franklinton is a member, along with most of Franklin, Wake, Johnston, and Harnett Counties and most of the municipalities in those counties.) We heard about the Long Range Transportation Plan (which takes us 2035), and where hopes and priorities are placed. From it, I had questions surrounding the possiblity of bus service to Youngsville and Franklinton. (Maps showed bus service coming to Franklinton in 2035, but a small bus route to Youngsville from Capital Blvd. in 2025...but the entirety of Capital from Wake Forest to Franklinton was showing as coming in 2035, which made no sense to have a small bus route from downtown Youngsville to Capital in 2025 if there was no service to get to Wake Forest or anywhere else...you get my idea.) I got a much better explanation, and hopefully, when bus service comes to Youngsville, they'll be able to just hop, skip and jump on up the road that extra 5 miles and come to Franklinton...and after conversing with a representative from TTA, we may be able to see it sooner. (Buses are easier to relocate than trains, you know.) We shall see.
Today, I'm going to head back to town from work (very early) so that I can be present when Congressman Bob Etheridge speaks about the effect of the stimulus package on school construction in our area at Franklinton High School. He'll be there at 1:30. If I'm not mistaken, it's open to the public. (That's why I'm going!)
See you there!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Why E-mail?
When you come into Town Hall to pay your utility bills or for other reasons, you may notice that a Town staff member may ask you for your e-mail. If you have one, please consider providing it to us. We will use it to share information with you, to keep you abreast of upcoming events, and to ensure you stay informed as a citizen of Franklinton. The main reason we’re asking, however, is so that we may send you this newsletter electronically. We are looking to do this so that we may reduce the amount of paper used to produce the newsletter, as well as the cost of postage to mail it. We believe the newsletter is an important piece of communication to our citizens; however, we are also seeking to further implement conservation efforts throughout the Town. Please consider helping us! (If you pay your utility bill electronically or by mail, feel free to call Town Hall to share your e-mail, or e-mail Mayor Senter at esenter@franklintonnc.us.) Don’t have an e-mail? Don’t want to share your home or work e-mail? Get a free e-mail address from Yahoo (www.yahoo.com), Microsoft (www.hotmail.com) or Google (www.gmail.com).
Blowing Off Tires...Shoulda Been Steam...
You know it's going to be an odd day when you walk into the door and are met by your Town Manager who says, "Wanna go see the dump truck that blew up at the Water Plant?" Go see is exactly what I did. Apparently, there was a minor incident with a dump truck unloading concrete at the Water Plant, infilling a few minor holes along the perimeter of the water plant. Apparently, the dump truck struck a power line which resulted in the truck's tires being blown off the truck. As you can imagine, that was a bit of a shock. (Laugh here.) The driver managed to come out unharmed, but it of course caused everyone to step back and make sure that safety was being maintained. Progress Energy has been out, tightened up the wires to prevent such issues again, and the filling in will move forward.
So...why am I writing about this? Well, it was my first real trip to the Water Plant. I believe that I have now seen just about every Town facility that exists. The current water plant was constructed in 1968, and was refurbished with upgrades done in 2005. The pond there, commonly referred to as City Pond, really isn't that large! It's much smaller than I thought it was. If I were a dreamer, I'd love to see the Town acquire some additional land adjacent to the pond so that we could clear it out and grow the size of the pond...and then eventually include a park with the location. I think having a park near a pond is a great idea...so long as we can keep folks from trying to swim in it!
I also got to see the original water plant, that was built in the early 1900's...I think around 1902. Unfortunately, the building is in such bad shape, I think we're going to have to take it down. It's been neglected, and is literally beginning to fall in on itself. I hate destroying historic buildings, but sometimes it can't be avoided.
Once I got back to Town Hall...it started snowing! That's right...it snowed for over an hour here...light, flakes, but it was snow! I love snow...and I'm not the only one. Ask Raymond about his plow sometime.
And you thought municipal government was boring...
So...why am I writing about this? Well, it was my first real trip to the Water Plant. I believe that I have now seen just about every Town facility that exists. The current water plant was constructed in 1968, and was refurbished with upgrades done in 2005. The pond there, commonly referred to as City Pond, really isn't that large! It's much smaller than I thought it was. If I were a dreamer, I'd love to see the Town acquire some additional land adjacent to the pond so that we could clear it out and grow the size of the pond...and then eventually include a park with the location. I think having a park near a pond is a great idea...so long as we can keep folks from trying to swim in it!
I also got to see the original water plant, that was built in the early 1900's...I think around 1902. Unfortunately, the building is in such bad shape, I think we're going to have to take it down. It's been neglected, and is literally beginning to fall in on itself. I hate destroying historic buildings, but sometimes it can't be avoided.
Once I got back to Town Hall...it started snowing! That's right...it snowed for over an hour here...light, flakes, but it was snow! I love snow...and I'm not the only one. Ask Raymond about his plow sometime.
And you thought municipal government was boring...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Taxes and Budgets in Franklinton
How many of us actually take a look at the budget? Not our own personal one, but the Town’s budget – a governmental budget. We’re lucky. The budget for the Town of Franklinton fits in a 1” binder and is only about 50 pages long. If we were working with the County, or even the city of Raleigh, our budget would be several binders thick! (During the Inauguration, I went through the Museum of American History...and let me tell you, they have the 1997 US Budget...and it's over A FOOT TALL!)
When you look at the budget for the Town of Franklinton, you’ll notice it’s divided into several funds. The major two are the General and Utility funds. The Powell Bill fund is specific to streets and sidewalks. There’s also a cemetery fund, and a couple of other small funds. But let’s talk big for a minute.
Take a look at the General Fund. That’s where your tax dollars go. That’s where all major revenue goes, except for utility revenue. Your property taxes, the sales tax the town receives from the state, the utility tax proceeds we receive, as well as any other miscellaneous revenues all go into the General Fund. From this fund, we pay for the employees at Town Hall, administratively, as well as the Police Department. That fund is also how we pay for many things, such as office supplies, police cars, ammunition, other police equipment, flags, etc. It’s also how we fund smaller projects, such as the URC, the town’s donation to the Franklinton Recreational Association, as well as how we pay dues to different organizations the Town is a member of, such as the Council of Government, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Chambers of Commerce.
The Utility Fund is where your water and sewer bills go. (The sanitation bill, which is the third part of your utility bill, goes into a separate fund.) It’s also where the payments for the wastewater that the Town sends to the County for processing come from, as well as how we pay our employees in Public Works. We also use those revenues to fund the chemicals needed to treat water, etc.
So there you go…that’s your budget in a nutshell. So how do we make new things happen? Three ways. We can cut expenses, which, given our rather skeletal budget – you may not think it is, but trust me…I’ve spent enough time with it to know, it is – can be a challenge. We can raise taxes, which is never popular, but even more so right now. A one cent tax increase gains the town roughly $8,500. We’d need a three to five cent tax increase to fund new staff. Thus…you can see how that’s a challenge. Lastly, when property values are redone – called revaluation – we have the chance to reset the tax rate, which, when an honest look at it, is a de facto tax increase, just in a different form. So…while we don’t like to raise fees or taxes…sometimes, it’s a necessary evil. It’s a hard choice, and we honestly do look at any way we can cut expenses first.
When you look at the budget for the Town of Franklinton, you’ll notice it’s divided into several funds. The major two are the General and Utility funds. The Powell Bill fund is specific to streets and sidewalks. There’s also a cemetery fund, and a couple of other small funds. But let’s talk big for a minute.
Take a look at the General Fund. That’s where your tax dollars go. That’s where all major revenue goes, except for utility revenue. Your property taxes, the sales tax the town receives from the state, the utility tax proceeds we receive, as well as any other miscellaneous revenues all go into the General Fund. From this fund, we pay for the employees at Town Hall, administratively, as well as the Police Department. That fund is also how we pay for many things, such as office supplies, police cars, ammunition, other police equipment, flags, etc. It’s also how we fund smaller projects, such as the URC, the town’s donation to the Franklinton Recreational Association, as well as how we pay dues to different organizations the Town is a member of, such as the Council of Government, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Chambers of Commerce.
The Utility Fund is where your water and sewer bills go. (The sanitation bill, which is the third part of your utility bill, goes into a separate fund.) It’s also where the payments for the wastewater that the Town sends to the County for processing come from, as well as how we pay our employees in Public Works. We also use those revenues to fund the chemicals needed to treat water, etc.
So there you go…that’s your budget in a nutshell. So how do we make new things happen? Three ways. We can cut expenses, which, given our rather skeletal budget – you may not think it is, but trust me…I’ve spent enough time with it to know, it is – can be a challenge. We can raise taxes, which is never popular, but even more so right now. A one cent tax increase gains the town roughly $8,500. We’d need a three to five cent tax increase to fund new staff. Thus…you can see how that’s a challenge. Lastly, when property values are redone – called revaluation – we have the chance to reset the tax rate, which, when an honest look at it, is a de facto tax increase, just in a different form. So…while we don’t like to raise fees or taxes…sometimes, it’s a necessary evil. It’s a hard choice, and we honestly do look at any way we can cut expenses first.
High Speed Rail Issues in Franklinton
High Speed Rail Issues in Franklinton
So what’s the big deal about this High Speed Rail? I imagine that’s what a lot of folks outside of the Town of Franklinton are wondering…especially after seeing the story on WRAL that showed little or no traffic running through the Mason/Main Street intersection. Well…a couple of commissioners and I have been around that intersection several times in the evening over the past couple of months…and guess what? THERE’S A TON OF TRAFFIC! There was actually a LINE on West Mason Street turning south onto Main Street! Who knew?
Why was this such a big deal to me? Because I knew that if I was upset about it, you might be too. I’m fairly certain that none of the citizens of Franklinton want to see the east side of town several limited in their ability to get to the west side of town. I also know that closing off entire communities and neighborhoods, as would have occurred with the closure of both College and Hawkins Streets. To me, these things are simply unacceptable. I felt the need to express these thoughts – after all…I figured that’s what I was supposed to do!
In May 2008, I met with representatives from the NC DOT Rail Division, one of whom is our own Jimmy Harris. It was a GREAT meeting, and we had a wonderful time examining the possibilities of safely rerouting traffic while ensuring the safety of railroad crossings. I’m looking quite forward to speaking with Mr. David Foster of the Rail Division again regarding this. I’ll keep you posted!
So what’s the big deal about this High Speed Rail? I imagine that’s what a lot of folks outside of the Town of Franklinton are wondering…especially after seeing the story on WRAL that showed little or no traffic running through the Mason/Main Street intersection. Well…a couple of commissioners and I have been around that intersection several times in the evening over the past couple of months…and guess what? THERE’S A TON OF TRAFFIC! There was actually a LINE on West Mason Street turning south onto Main Street! Who knew?
Why was this such a big deal to me? Because I knew that if I was upset about it, you might be too. I’m fairly certain that none of the citizens of Franklinton want to see the east side of town several limited in their ability to get to the west side of town. I also know that closing off entire communities and neighborhoods, as would have occurred with the closure of both College and Hawkins Streets. To me, these things are simply unacceptable. I felt the need to express these thoughts – after all…I figured that’s what I was supposed to do!
In May 2008, I met with representatives from the NC DOT Rail Division, one of whom is our own Jimmy Harris. It was a GREAT meeting, and we had a wonderful time examining the possibilities of safely rerouting traffic while ensuring the safety of railroad crossings. I’m looking quite forward to speaking with Mr. David Foster of the Rail Division again regarding this. I’ll keep you posted!
Inaugural Ball
So, forgive me for taking so long to get this posted! I got home the night of the Inaugural Ball after 1am, and then had to hop up the next morning and head out so I could make it to my friend's house and get my car, drive back into the District, and go to the NEA's Martin Luther King service, and then drive home. Then...I came down with pneumonia. Yeah. No fun. But...the plus? I went to the Southern Inaugural Ball!
I attended with my friends and colleagues Nancy, Susan (who I still owe money to) and Dawn. We had a great time, but it was kinda boring. It became fastly apparent that such events are really for the politically connected and those who worked on the campaign. And here I thought it was a big party for those folks in town who could afford the ticket. The dancing wasn't great (you know I'm a dancer) because they alternated between a band and a DJ...neither of which were particularly jamming. (I wish we'd done the Mid-Atlantic Ball instead...because I could have met WAY more celebrities! Oh well.)
We did get to say hi to Speaker of the House (NC) Joe Hackney and his wife. They were very nice. Then we took our official Inaugural Ball portrait, which, to be honest...not worth the money. Then...the big ticket came. The band cleared out, and the Army Band came in...and soon, they were playing the Vice President's song. Then came in Joe Biden and his wife, Jill! YAY! He was eloquent, powerful, and most importantly...succinct. He danced with his wife, and they sashayed offstage. A few moments later, the band broke into Hail to the Chief, and in walked President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Wow! Michelle looked wonderful, she was so beautiful, and her dress was wonderful. Barack wore a tux. (He gave me pneumonia, so I'm not that thrilled with him in hindsight. ;)) He spoke to the crowd, everyone cheered him, and then he said, "And now, I wanna dance with the one who brung me." He walked over to Michelle, and they danced to their song - which, oddly enough, is MY song! (It's 'At Last,' which is also the first song Ed and I ever danced to.) It was lovely.
The next morning, I got up, took the Metro into Silver Spring, and then walked a couple of miles up to my friend Jennifer's house and drove back into DC to attend the NEA event, which was phenomenal. Then...I drove home. Now that was a drive. It took about two hours to get to Fredericksburg where I spent Saturday night - which normally is a 45 minute drive. Once I got there, it was easy peasy, and I slid on down the road. I got home around 8:30, and man...everybody at my house was happy to see me. LOL The dogs barked, the cats wound around my feet, and everybody slept in the bedroom that night. Even Sprite - who doesn't like people and feels that she's polite by letting me stay in her house!
So...that's my Inaugural adventure...and thank goodness I had it at 31...because I don't know that I'll be having another one!
I attended with my friends and colleagues Nancy, Susan (who I still owe money to) and Dawn. We had a great time, but it was kinda boring. It became fastly apparent that such events are really for the politically connected and those who worked on the campaign. And here I thought it was a big party for those folks in town who could afford the ticket. The dancing wasn't great (you know I'm a dancer) because they alternated between a band and a DJ...neither of which were particularly jamming. (I wish we'd done the Mid-Atlantic Ball instead...because I could have met WAY more celebrities! Oh well.)
We did get to say hi to Speaker of the House (NC) Joe Hackney and his wife. They were very nice. Then we took our official Inaugural Ball portrait, which, to be honest...not worth the money. Then...the big ticket came. The band cleared out, and the Army Band came in...and soon, they were playing the Vice President's song. Then came in Joe Biden and his wife, Jill! YAY! He was eloquent, powerful, and most importantly...succinct. He danced with his wife, and they sashayed offstage. A few moments later, the band broke into Hail to the Chief, and in walked President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Wow! Michelle looked wonderful, she was so beautiful, and her dress was wonderful. Barack wore a tux. (He gave me pneumonia, so I'm not that thrilled with him in hindsight. ;)) He spoke to the crowd, everyone cheered him, and then he said, "And now, I wanna dance with the one who brung me." He walked over to Michelle, and they danced to their song - which, oddly enough, is MY song! (It's 'At Last,' which is also the first song Ed and I ever danced to.) It was lovely.
The next morning, I got up, took the Metro into Silver Spring, and then walked a couple of miles up to my friend Jennifer's house and drove back into DC to attend the NEA event, which was phenomenal. Then...I drove home. Now that was a drive. It took about two hours to get to Fredericksburg where I spent Saturday night - which normally is a 45 minute drive. Once I got there, it was easy peasy, and I slid on down the road. I got home around 8:30, and man...everybody at my house was happy to see me. LOL The dogs barked, the cats wound around my feet, and everybody slept in the bedroom that night. Even Sprite - who doesn't like people and feels that she's polite by letting me stay in her house!
So...that's my Inaugural adventure...and thank goodness I had it at 31...because I don't know that I'll be having another one!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Happy Snow Day!
While I've been in DC, it turns out Franklinton got SOCKED by a snowstorm. (Who's surprised? The weather I love while I'm not even there.) I'm pretty happy for our Public Works Director, Raymond Bragg, though. He finally got to use that snow plow! That's some excitement around town!
Wish me luck as I drive back tomorrow evening!
Wish me luck as I drive back tomorrow evening!
Inauguration Day
WOW. I think that about covers it.
HA! What'd you think, I was done? MY WORD, I have too much to say! The morning started out at 6:00, when my friends woke up and started getting ready. I got up and got dressed. I discovered later, I should have worn more clothes. I had on a t-shirt, a button down, thermals, pants, and a big coat...and a scarf. I needed at least one other layer. My nifty hand warmers came in handy though! (Thanks to Mitchell Hardware - I'm glad you guys carry those!)
Jennifer (my colleague at NEA) and I set out from the Westin and started rolling down the street. We got down to NPR and picked up her friend Jody, and kept walking. We walked down the 395 tunnel. Jennifer and Jody are longtime locals, and both kept commenting about how weird it was, and how unprecedented this crowd was. Jody said he hadn't seen anything like it since the Bicentennial. I just wanted to sit down. (I'm fat and lazy, so the 4 mile walk wasn't in my plan.) We emerged from the tunnel, and kept walking, and finally managed to find out where the Silver ticket line was. This, apparently, was the big ticket - several thousand were given away. We fortunately got in a relatively short line...with only about 8,000 people in front of us. (A crowd estimate...)
It took us FOREVER to get moving. Once we got close to the gate, we got stopped...by horses. Then, it became a sardine can. I literally just got moved. I didn't do much walking, and the people around me propped me up. I made a lot of new friends. Most of them became friends because they were in very close proximity and got to know me far better than they likely ever wanted to. (Except the one woman who kept feeling me up...that was a little unnerving.) Finally, we got to the front of the gate line...and then we realized it was true pandemonium. The police lost control. They just got out of the way, and we snuck around the side of the gate, and walked right in like we owned the place. That's when Jennifer, Jody and I got separated. They went right when I went left. Glad I did, because that's how I managed to get into the Mall. Apparently, they let a HIGH number of non-ticketed folks into the Silver ticket gate area. Those folks just stood, and thus prevented those with tickets from being able to proceed to our area. I ducked and dived and flowed, climbed two barricades, and made my way to the Silver checkpoint. They frisked me (that was fun) and sent me in...and literally, just as Michelle Obama and Jill Biden arrived, I got close to a jumbotron...blocked by trees.
I didn't really care. I could see, in the distance, the Capitol, where my next President and Vice President were walking in. I stood just beside the Museum of the American Indian. I watched on the jumbotron as the First and Second Lady to be walked out to enormous cheers. I watched as the President walked out, and was historically and LOUDLY booed. Had it been a performance, he would have had to leave the stage. I was AMAZED. I've never seen anything like it. It bordered on disrespectful. Regardless of what's been, the man was still the President, and it was an Inauguration. Ceremonially, he was to be there, and had a role. I was a little surprised. And then it happened again, and again.
Then, Joe Biden walked in and the crowed went wild. Then Dick Cheney was rolled in...and the crowd again booed. Loudly. And then...the moment happened. The President Elect walked out and the nearly 3 million people on the Mall with me went wild, waving flags, screaming, and taking photos. We listened as Dianne Feinstein welcomed the participants and public; we listened as Justice Stevens swore in Vice President Biden, and we cheered. Then we listened to some of the most beautiful and soothing music ever...which wasn't a good idea given we were all sleepy. After it was done...Justice Roberts walked down, and welcomed the new President, who then swore his oath (with a slight abberation, thanks to Justice Roberts). It was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. When President Obama turned to wave to the crowd, everyone went hoarse. We cheered. We cried. I cried. I couldn't believe it. The moment we had all been so excited about for two and half months had finally came true. It was amazing.
Once it was done, we all started to move. I missed the poet. Alas, I needed to start moving, because I had a ticket to the parade! A nice blue ticket! And then I gave up the ghost. I started walking. There was NO WAY in the WORLD I was going to be able to get on the Metro. The Federal Triangle Metro station was closed. Thousands were there waiting. So I set out walking...across 395, behind the Capitol, up New Jersey SE, down, down, down, all the way to Union Station. That's when I got the call from my new friend Chad Flowers over at WRAL. He wanted to know if I could come by for an interview!
It took me a second, but I finally made it down to the building they were in for an interview with David Crabtree, one of the best anchors on local news and the main reason I listen to Bill and Sheri in the Morning on WRAL-FM. Chad met me down on the bottom floor to take me up. This building was where all the networks and local tv stations were headquartered. Chad took me up on the roof, and we passed several local tv stations, even passing BET Networks! As we exited the elevator, Chad says, "Hey Debbie!" I looked to the right - and it was Deborah Norville! (I liked her on Today, even though there was drama.)
We went up, and after David did the live feed for the noon news, he interviewed me. It was nice. I wore my Elon toboggon, so I got to give a shout out to my alma mater, which was crucial! David was very nice, and he even called me Mayor! (Chad was unaware that I was the mayor of Franklinton...so when he asked me where I live, I told him. He said he thought I lived in Raleigh, and I said, "Chad, you kind of have to live in a place to be mayor." Even cold and tired, I try to be witty.) After that, Chad was nice enough to introduce me to Deborah Norville (and I got a picture!). I hung out there for awhile, and then started the trek back. The LOOOOONG trek back. I walked from Union Station back to my hotel at 14th and M. That took me through several tent cities.
What were the tent cities you ask? Literally HUNDREDS of street vendors. It was like Frankenfest and Mistletoe Market merged, multiplied and threw up. I did buy a couple of things, but so much of it wasn't that great in my opinion...it didn't look quality 'Obama' to me. (I'm a paraphenalia snob...) I came back to the hotel and found out about Senator Kennedy, which was a bit of a jolt. After that, I came back up to the room and hung out with the crowd here and watched the parade. I felt like I had much better seats here than I could have gotten fighting my way down to F and 14th where I would have entered. YAY FOR WARMTH AND TV!
Now? I'm off to get ready for the Southern Inaugural Ball. I think if I ever run for office again I want a 21 gun salute with cannons. (Don't know where we'd find them in Franklinton, so I may have to just be happy with my dad and his friends and their 21 guns...) Okay, I'm off! Catch ya later!
HA! What'd you think, I was done? MY WORD, I have too much to say! The morning started out at 6:00, when my friends woke up and started getting ready. I got up and got dressed. I discovered later, I should have worn more clothes. I had on a t-shirt, a button down, thermals, pants, and a big coat...and a scarf. I needed at least one other layer. My nifty hand warmers came in handy though! (Thanks to Mitchell Hardware - I'm glad you guys carry those!)
Jennifer (my colleague at NEA) and I set out from the Westin and started rolling down the street. We got down to NPR and picked up her friend Jody, and kept walking. We walked down the 395 tunnel. Jennifer and Jody are longtime locals, and both kept commenting about how weird it was, and how unprecedented this crowd was. Jody said he hadn't seen anything like it since the Bicentennial. I just wanted to sit down. (I'm fat and lazy, so the 4 mile walk wasn't in my plan.) We emerged from the tunnel, and kept walking, and finally managed to find out where the Silver ticket line was. This, apparently, was the big ticket - several thousand were given away. We fortunately got in a relatively short line...with only about 8,000 people in front of us. (A crowd estimate...)
It took us FOREVER to get moving. Once we got close to the gate, we got stopped...by horses. Then, it became a sardine can. I literally just got moved. I didn't do much walking, and the people around me propped me up. I made a lot of new friends. Most of them became friends because they were in very close proximity and got to know me far better than they likely ever wanted to. (Except the one woman who kept feeling me up...that was a little unnerving.) Finally, we got to the front of the gate line...and then we realized it was true pandemonium. The police lost control. They just got out of the way, and we snuck around the side of the gate, and walked right in like we owned the place. That's when Jennifer, Jody and I got separated. They went right when I went left. Glad I did, because that's how I managed to get into the Mall. Apparently, they let a HIGH number of non-ticketed folks into the Silver ticket gate area. Those folks just stood, and thus prevented those with tickets from being able to proceed to our area. I ducked and dived and flowed, climbed two barricades, and made my way to the Silver checkpoint. They frisked me (that was fun) and sent me in...and literally, just as Michelle Obama and Jill Biden arrived, I got close to a jumbotron...blocked by trees.
I didn't really care. I could see, in the distance, the Capitol, where my next President and Vice President were walking in. I stood just beside the Museum of the American Indian. I watched on the jumbotron as the First and Second Lady to be walked out to enormous cheers. I watched as the President walked out, and was historically and LOUDLY booed. Had it been a performance, he would have had to leave the stage. I was AMAZED. I've never seen anything like it. It bordered on disrespectful. Regardless of what's been, the man was still the President, and it was an Inauguration. Ceremonially, he was to be there, and had a role. I was a little surprised. And then it happened again, and again.
Then, Joe Biden walked in and the crowed went wild. Then Dick Cheney was rolled in...and the crowd again booed. Loudly. And then...the moment happened. The President Elect walked out and the nearly 3 million people on the Mall with me went wild, waving flags, screaming, and taking photos. We listened as Dianne Feinstein welcomed the participants and public; we listened as Justice Stevens swore in Vice President Biden, and we cheered. Then we listened to some of the most beautiful and soothing music ever...which wasn't a good idea given we were all sleepy. After it was done...Justice Roberts walked down, and welcomed the new President, who then swore his oath (with a slight abberation, thanks to Justice Roberts). It was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. When President Obama turned to wave to the crowd, everyone went hoarse. We cheered. We cried. I cried. I couldn't believe it. The moment we had all been so excited about for two and half months had finally came true. It was amazing.
Once it was done, we all started to move. I missed the poet. Alas, I needed to start moving, because I had a ticket to the parade! A nice blue ticket! And then I gave up the ghost. I started walking. There was NO WAY in the WORLD I was going to be able to get on the Metro. The Federal Triangle Metro station was closed. Thousands were there waiting. So I set out walking...across 395, behind the Capitol, up New Jersey SE, down, down, down, all the way to Union Station. That's when I got the call from my new friend Chad Flowers over at WRAL. He wanted to know if I could come by for an interview!
It took me a second, but I finally made it down to the building they were in for an interview with David Crabtree, one of the best anchors on local news and the main reason I listen to Bill and Sheri in the Morning on WRAL-FM. Chad met me down on the bottom floor to take me up. This building was where all the networks and local tv stations were headquartered. Chad took me up on the roof, and we passed several local tv stations, even passing BET Networks! As we exited the elevator, Chad says, "Hey Debbie!" I looked to the right - and it was Deborah Norville! (I liked her on Today, even though there was drama.)
We went up, and after David did the live feed for the noon news, he interviewed me. It was nice. I wore my Elon toboggon, so I got to give a shout out to my alma mater, which was crucial! David was very nice, and he even called me Mayor! (Chad was unaware that I was the mayor of Franklinton...so when he asked me where I live, I told him. He said he thought I lived in Raleigh, and I said, "Chad, you kind of have to live in a place to be mayor." Even cold and tired, I try to be witty.) After that, Chad was nice enough to introduce me to Deborah Norville (and I got a picture!). I hung out there for awhile, and then started the trek back. The LOOOOONG trek back. I walked from Union Station back to my hotel at 14th and M. That took me through several tent cities.
What were the tent cities you ask? Literally HUNDREDS of street vendors. It was like Frankenfest and Mistletoe Market merged, multiplied and threw up. I did buy a couple of things, but so much of it wasn't that great in my opinion...it didn't look quality 'Obama' to me. (I'm a paraphenalia snob...) I came back to the hotel and found out about Senator Kennedy, which was a bit of a jolt. After that, I came back up to the room and hung out with the crowd here and watched the parade. I felt like I had much better seats here than I could have gotten fighting my way down to F and 14th where I would have entered. YAY FOR WARMTH AND TV!
Now? I'm off to get ready for the Southern Inaugural Ball. I think if I ever run for office again I want a 21 gun salute with cannons. (Don't know where we'd find them in Franklinton, so I may have to just be happy with my dad and his friends and their 21 guns...) Okay, I'm off! Catch ya later!
Monday, January 19, 2009
So I'm in DC...
As many folks know by now, I'm in DC for the inauguration. I'm REALLY excited to be here! (Of course, part of that is that DC is one of my FAVORITE places on Earth.) Part of me wishes that I'd known before Tuesday that I was going to be able to make it (and that I had tickets for the standing area) and part of me is just grateful that I'm here in the first place. I have several friends in the area and colleagues that are up for the event. I'm a little jealous of some of them!
I started the drive up on Saturday, and stayed in Fredericksburg, VA. Getting up here was no problem...everybody and their mother told me about how it was going to be traffic, traffic, traffic...and it took me less time than it normally does, and I didn't even speed. (That much.) I got into the District around 11:00, and to my friend Jennifer's house (she works at the NEA, and is a colleague of mine) about half an hour later. Thanks to Jennifer, I have a place to stay inside the District, which is AWESOME. (As opposed to having to stay outside, and train my way in tomorrow...which would be grueling...)
Once I got settled into the hotel room yesterday, my friend Susan and I went down to the Washington Monument for the Inaugural Concert. We both wished that we'd gone earlier! We got there for the last 45 minutes or so. But let me tell you - singing 'This Land is Your Land" with 600,000 people is one amazing experience! It was awesome! Everybody was cordial, people held the chains for other people to go over or under...it was just amazing. (This, as opposed to what I'm used to - 'Get out of the way!')
After that, we came back to the hotel, and went over to the NEA Building for the reception there. Because I'm no longer a classroom teacher (and therefore an active fulltime member), I didn't know very many folks...so...it wasn't the greatest, but I had great food (and GREAT chocolate covered strawberries!). I came on back after about an hour, and had dinner. I didn't really have anything to do or anybody to do it with, so I just kinda stayed in the room. (Sad, I know. I was disappointed in myself. As many friends as I have in this area, and I didn't have contact info for about half of them. The ones I called were all busy.)
This morning turned out different, though. I was up and at 'em by 9:00. I went down to the Mall, and walked around. That's when I got on MSNBC! It ROCKED! Of course, nobody I sent a text message to was able to get themselves to a tv, so I don't know that anybody I know saw it, but I saw myself on the monitor! It rocked! And Morning Joe is actually a nice guy...
I wandered down to the Capitol, where the stage is ready and set. There were hundreds of people down there. I met a nice family from Bethesda who came in for the day to let their children (5 and 7) see it. The older one was all into it...the younger one was crying because she was bored. I can understand that.
I got lots of pictures of the Capitol. It's amazing! Tomorrow, I'll be standing about 1000 feet away, but I'll have a jumbotron to look at, which will make it just as good as being in the orange section. :) I need no seat. I just need to be able to be there while the candidate I voted for and supported makes history. I cannot wait.
I started the drive up on Saturday, and stayed in Fredericksburg, VA. Getting up here was no problem...everybody and their mother told me about how it was going to be traffic, traffic, traffic...and it took me less time than it normally does, and I didn't even speed. (That much.) I got into the District around 11:00, and to my friend Jennifer's house (she works at the NEA, and is a colleague of mine) about half an hour later. Thanks to Jennifer, I have a place to stay inside the District, which is AWESOME. (As opposed to having to stay outside, and train my way in tomorrow...which would be grueling...)
Once I got settled into the hotel room yesterday, my friend Susan and I went down to the Washington Monument for the Inaugural Concert. We both wished that we'd gone earlier! We got there for the last 45 minutes or so. But let me tell you - singing 'This Land is Your Land" with 600,000 people is one amazing experience! It was awesome! Everybody was cordial, people held the chains for other people to go over or under...it was just amazing. (This, as opposed to what I'm used to - 'Get out of the way!')
After that, we came back to the hotel, and went over to the NEA Building for the reception there. Because I'm no longer a classroom teacher (and therefore an active fulltime member), I didn't know very many folks...so...it wasn't the greatest, but I had great food (and GREAT chocolate covered strawberries!). I came on back after about an hour, and had dinner. I didn't really have anything to do or anybody to do it with, so I just kinda stayed in the room. (Sad, I know. I was disappointed in myself. As many friends as I have in this area, and I didn't have contact info for about half of them. The ones I called were all busy.)
This morning turned out different, though. I was up and at 'em by 9:00. I went down to the Mall, and walked around. That's when I got on MSNBC! It ROCKED! Of course, nobody I sent a text message to was able to get themselves to a tv, so I don't know that anybody I know saw it, but I saw myself on the monitor! It rocked! And Morning Joe is actually a nice guy...
I wandered down to the Capitol, where the stage is ready and set. There were hundreds of people down there. I met a nice family from Bethesda who came in for the day to let their children (5 and 7) see it. The older one was all into it...the younger one was crying because she was bored. I can understand that.
I got lots of pictures of the Capitol. It's amazing! Tomorrow, I'll be standing about 1000 feet away, but I'll have a jumbotron to look at, which will make it just as good as being in the orange section. :) I need no seat. I just need to be able to be there while the candidate I voted for and supported makes history. I cannot wait.
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