Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2014 21:55:19 -0400
From: Caroline Siverson
Subject: Response to Muddylaces’ Chatlist post – Conservative County Commissioners accomplishments
About the courthouse:
The old courthouse burned down, probably after catching fire from a solderer’s spark, which happened when it was being renovated under the previous BOC’s tenure. There was an insurance settlement. That is why no tax dollars went toward the construction of our beautiful new courthouse, not because of savvy fiscal management by our current BOC.
About the elimination of a proposed Obesity Director Position:
Yes, the current BOC did eliminate the proposed position, which was recommended by the County Health Department in its 2010 Obesity Report. Childhood obesity had been identified as a major health concern. In their 2010 Community Health Assessment the department also praised the creation of new parks for promoting physical activity, which we now have thanks to the work of the previous BOC. What has the current BOC done to promote a downward trend of this debilitating health problem affecting Chatham’s youth?
The land transfer tax?
Moot point. That talk ended in 2007 when a referendum to impose the tax in Chatham County was voted down. Furthermore, in 2011 the General Assembly passed a repeal of the law that gave the counties the option of putting a land transfer tax on their ballots. That is why this county and others are forced to retain high impact fees on new homes to fund new schools and other county facilities. Keep in mind that for the complete proposed build-out of Chatham Park, we will need no less than twelve new schools for that population alone.
Walmart:
The Walmart did not require approval by the Chatham County BOC since it is located on a 20-acre parcel that had been zoned commercial for some time.
Strata Solar:
It’s probably safe to assume that any BOC would work with the EDC (Economic Development Corporation) to welcome Strata Solar to our county. Any implication that the candidates currently running against the incumbents would not be supportive of a business like Strata Solar is unfounded and somewhat absurd.
Video recording:
Yes, the current BOC brought video recording to the county meetings, although at some expense. But it is a good thing that we have a video record of what they say and do at public meetings. And yes, one can watch the specific meeting where Brian Bock voted against his own motion for an EDC appointment when he learned that the applicant was an artist, leading many observers to come to the same conclusion as Diana Hales. It is true that she incorrectly quoted Mr. Bock. But it is also true that she publicly apologized to Mr. Bock at the next opportunity. She said her wording was wrong, and that she had made a mistake. I believe Mr. Bock accepted that apology, and so should we.
The megasite:
Yes, it is a bit early to give the BOC credit for an auto plant. Most credit for the megasite effort should be given to the Economic Development Corporation and Director Diane Reid, hired in 2007 by the previous BOC.
Halting the landfill:
The current BOC did stop the landfill site location study. It’s true that no one wants a landfill next door. It is also true that we all generate too much trash. Luckily there are plans for a landfill over the Randolph County line in someone else’s backyard.
The Land-Use Plan:
When the BOC took office in 2010, they canceled plans to update the existing Land-Use Plan, saying that it was too expensive. But in 2012, the EDC started a new conversation about land-use planning, and the BOC requested more research. Then the EDC developed a survey and solicited citizen input to identify the priorities of Chatham citizens. Ironically, the resulting “conceptual” land-use plan articulated land-use goals almost identical to the major objectives stated in the existing land-use plan, adopted by the county in 2001. And earlier this year, a Planning Board sub-committee was asked to consider refreshing the plan, but concluded that the scope of that task was too large to take on at this time. In other words, the BOC has added nothing to the existing 2001 plan.
Taxes:
While Muddy might believe that we would have seen a 2% property tax increase per year under a Democratic BOC, that is purely speculative on his part. And the truth is that while the conservative BOC did kick a tax revaluation down the road, by statute, the next BOC, regardless of political affiliation, will have one in their future. It’s too early to know whether that BOC will have to raise taxes to meet our expenses. Nonetheless, I hope he is enjoying his long weekends at the beach.
Caroline Siverson