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!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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!
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