Tarboro Blog - Comments

Grassroots of Tarboro comments on The way it's always been done.

Grassroots of Tarboro — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:46:28 +0000

I'm sorry Charles, I thought the brief conversation we had was a topic worth discussing and I deliberately did not mention your name in case you would prefer anonymity. I never intended for you to be on the short side of the conversation, I just wanted to "throw it out there" for further discussion.
When first being introduced to "how things are done" in Tarboro by listening to long-time citizens explaining how they see things and telling me their opinions on what is good and not so good. It became apparent that many citizens are under the impression that Sam Noble makes the town decisions or at least greatly influences them. It also became apparent that the people felt that, despite the fact that they didn't like it, they had little power to affect change.
Three years ago, I had no governmental interest or understanding. I didn't even know what form of government operated Tarboro, but now that Tarboro is my home, I do want to help things to improve here and have found myself researching and attending town meetings and getting involved.
When you mentioned the importance of getting Sam Noble's recommendation, it just reminded me of the complaints that people voice to me regarding the town manager "having too much power", and "making all of the decisions". Whether or not that is true, the mere fact that citizens think that makes it an issue that needs to be addressed. I can not be the only one who has heard this opinion expressed. If they are expressing it to me, are they also expressing it to their councilman?
I agree that if Mr Noble is "managing" the town, his opinion may at times be invaluable to the decision-making process, but we must be careful to keep in mind that the government should first be representing the wishes of the people. For this to be possible, the people should be seeking out their council representative and expressing their opinions and desires and concerns to him.
Again, I apologize Charles if I misinterpreted or misrepresented what you were telling me. I think it is important that we share these ideas and I appreciate your opinion.

Grassroots of Tarboro comments on Two Projects with Potential

Grassroots of Tarboro — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:58:41 +0000

To Karen, whose post I removed.
I do not know the details of the situation you refer to, but this website is not the appropriate forum.

Charles comments on The way it's always been done.

Charles — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:58:21 +0000

Unfortunately, I feel I have come out on the short side of having my comments quoted at the Thurdsday night meeting. I don't recall using the phrase "That's just the way it has always been done", I recal saying "that is the way it is supposed to work", at least from my interpretation. Betty seemed surprised that there would be a recommendation from the manager to the council regarding the town manager's position on requests from the citizens. I would consider the town staff not to be doing their jobs if they gave no opinion or made no recommendation on the topics going before the council. The comparison I gave at the meeting was that in a corporate environment the president, executives, management and staff would "run" the business and make recommendations to the board of directors for their approval or denial. The board of directors would not logically be bringing forth topics and making decisions independent from any input form the management and staff that they have placed in the positions of responsiblity fo running the town government.
I also recommended that Betty go to the town hall to find out what the recommendation of the town manager would be prior to the Monday pm meeting.
I hope more people will get involved in these types of situations and let the council know if and when they disagree with the recommendations of the town managers and with the decisions of the town council. Regarding the last line above, in addition to asking regarding the councilman "when was the last time he spoke with you regarding issues requiring his vote", I would also ask of the citizens when was the last time you spoke directly to a councilman to express your thoughts about something effecting Tarboro?
Go Betty!

Jennifer Price comments on Tarboro's Second 2nd Saturday

Jennifer Price — Sat, 10 May 2008 23:01:01 +0000

We had a GREAT opening day at the Main Street Café! We were blown away by the outpouring of support and patience we got from everybody who came in today. Tonight, I love my little town even more than I did when I woke up this morning.

Kevin-Andrew comments on How to use Your IRS Rebate check.

Kevin-Andrew — Wed, 07 May 2008 03:59:27 +0000

That's brilliant, sad and practically true. Though, do you know if you by a Mac a larger portion of the money stays in the USA then if you were to buy a PC? Hey, I'm just sayin'.

tim comments on Tarboro's Government 101

tim — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:28:49 +0000

Cities - Don't be fooled about what ElectriCities is saying about renewables and how, woe is them they have to meet the percentages. In the NC General Assembly, there was a working group and the big investor owned utilities were there negotiating simply because they wanted cost recovery procedures for fuel charges and project development for new nuclear. Period and end of discussion. They are regulated utilities and they SOUGHT legislation to get relief they knew they would not get without legislation. As a payment for this benefit they were led down the renewable energy and energy efficiency road. So, this legislaiton was for and about them, not the co-ops and cities. The cities had an effective lobbyist lobbying for a delayed participation for cities in consideration for all the energy efficiency plans they have, the small number of customers, and consideration for the debt which already burdens them disproportionately from other customers. Legislators, including sponsors, were willing and listening to giving the cities some or all of the above. Of course, the co-ops and investor owned did not care and wanted all treated same regardless. But then Jesse Tilton the CEO allowed incompetent staff at ElectriCities to enter the fray and negotiate and that is where the cities were screwed. Clay Norris, Janice Carney want the cities to be regulated and wanted this requirement, otherwise, they have nothing to do. They want regulation so they can beef up their staff and show they are worth their salaries and raises because right now they are not. Don't be fooled cities. They are working at cross purposes to you. You cities got screwed by Tilton's staff who do not pay the electric rates like you do and do not care. They simply want to make money off you. I was an observer with a non-related industry and watched this whole incompetence go down. Shame on you ElectriCities for screwing your own cities. As for the last co-op and city bill, pitiful and annoying testimony from Mike Colo of Poyner and Spruill, LLC and Estherine Davis annoyed legislators and led to the loss for the cities. If Mike Colo is ever asked to testify there again, I will be shocked since he annoyed so many of the legislators with his attitude. So, cities when you are told of this, be leary, you are told lies. Any number of witnesses can tell you the truth as to these matters. The CEO is wasting money and destroying the reputation of the cities. So when you are told you got screwed by Sen. Dole or legislators, think again, you got screwed by Tilton. The rates are going UP because of bad leadership. Plain and simple.

Kerry Palakanis comments on Pete Seeger and Pot Luck Suppers

Kerry Palakanis — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:25:00 +0000

We would be happy to host the potlucks at the Underground pub. The entertainment side has seating for 80 people (hey, we can dream big!) and we have tables to place the dishes. We also have a 7 foot bigscreen projection system which would allow for presentations on powerpoint if someone is so motivated. Just a thought if you are looking for a regular place to host the event. We are not open on Sunday - Thursday at present so any of those days/evenings would not conflict with operating hours.

Kerry Palakanis comments on Two Projects with Potential

Kerry Palakanis — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:11:12 +0000

We have live music every Saturday night downtown at the Underground pub. Unfortunately, over the past few months the popularity has dwindled to the point where we may not be able to afford to continue it. In addition, the owners of the building are claiming that the live music violates the town noise ordinance (which by the way does not apply to the downtown area). I wish that there were more folks (citizens, town managers and councilmembers) actually devoted to keeping the downtown area active but it seems that initial interest in activities is often followed by a period of apathy.

Destin comments on Best Use for Web Networking

Destin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:07:16 +0000

I have a few cents to toss in regarding the role of the town government. I'll post it over in the "GOT Projects" thread under "Town Politics," and hopefully get a conversation going.

K comments on Best Use for Web Networking

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:53:38 +0000

I would like to get a more clear understanding of what expectations some have of exactly what actions the town council should be taking. I have more of an expectation that the town council not be a roadblock and should be supportive of positive ideas, but never viewed them as being the "driver" of change.
Even back in the 1960s and 70s, Tarboro had the Tarboro Merchants Assoc and later the Chamber of Commerce (and good involved citizens like yourselves) that was the driving force behind good things happening in Tarboro. It has never seemed in the past that the town council was the main drivers of change in Tarboro. I am not saying that is the way things should be, but... At least they should stay out of the way and will not be a stumbling block.