Cabarrus Cheap Seats

Over the past several weeks, I have been presented with the opportunity to interview for not one, but two new positions with my employer.  In the first, both of us realized about halfway through the process that I would not be a good “fit” for the job.  The second will be occurring on May 13^th, and I will have present my credentials to several senior executives in our company, and we both feel like that I am the one for the job, then I will be picked for the position (bad news for some of you – it is based here in Charlotte.)  

In addition to this, several weeks ago I was asked to participate with about 20 other community leaders from Cabarrus and Rowan County to help conduct the initial screening for candidates to be named as the new President of RCCC. 

I have come to realize, and want you to consider, that at this point in time, six people have applied for two jobs with 156,000 bosses, with about 40,000 of these conducting the first screening, and an additional 60,000 having the final say-so in November.   Some of these bosses may have more influence than others, and will try to convince some of the others to vote for their favorites for the job. 

With the exception of you that have voted early, and the registered Democrats out there, the rest of you have the honor on Tuesday to bring this initial screening process to its end, and choose two folks you feel can do the job.

Just like with a job, some candidates plaster the community with signs, so all you see is their name.  Some spend lots of money on mailings, TV and newspaper ads, putting forth the sound bites that they think you want to hear them say. 

But that’s not the end of it.  You have a absolutely essential step in the process.  You need read about the candidates, and ask several questions.  Is this person proposing new ideas, sharing a positive vision for the county, and appear to have done their homework?  Is this person able to make independent decisions, based on individual research, not on what others may tell them, or out of fear that those who backed them can manipulate them into voting how they want them to vote? Does the candidate fully understand the constraints and limitations that county government in NC is placed under? 

Here is an exchange I had with Joy Lane a couple of weeks ago. The reason I asked Joy was because I had not heard any specifics about any of her ideas; on the contrary, I had only heard continuous pronouncements about the board of commissioners, and why she was upset with the direction we were heading in.  So I posed a simple question:

—–Original Message—–
From: Robert Carruth [mailto:carruth2008@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 12:49 PM
To: joylane@vnet.net
Subject: PlatformJoy, hope you are doing well.  Just a couple of quick questions:

Her reply -

From: Joy Lane <joylane@vnet.net>
To: Robert Carruth <carruth2008@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 1:26:52 PM
Subject: RE: PlatformBob, thanks for asking… I’ve been working on that diligently, I’ll be glad
to discuss these with you after we’re elected, maybe we can work on some
things together. Hope to see you soon.
Keep in touch.  Joy

If this was the only thing, then I would not be concerned; however, one thing I think Joy needs to answer: in light of the fact (its in her campaign report, which is public record) that she is not only supported by REBIC, but it also appears that she has received a great deal of her support from realtors and other individuals from OUTSIDE the county. How come she has never publicly acknowledged the fact she is supported so heavily by the very industry that has been the biggest obstacle to managing growth and finding ways other than the property tax to pay for infrastructure development over the past 8 years?  

 Joy, we need to hear from you – you have used some very catchy sound bites and have seemed to use phrases that get the angry people who out to vote, but what is your real plan once you are in office?  What will you cut? Will you quickly move to revoke the adequate public facilities ordinance?  You have said a lot about the things you don’t like, but what are the things that are happening good? What is your vision for Cabarrus County? Can you publicly address the questions I posed in the email to you on the 18th? You have received a lot of money from folks in your industry - and have spent a lot of money on signs and mailers.   I think you owe it to the citizens that may be considering voting for you what you real agenda is!    

It is a very important day on Tuesday.  The interview process is about over with.  It is time to make a decision.  Just make sure you know who you are voting for.  

As I have said before, I hope that you will see fit to return me for another four years on the board of commissioners.  I believe my leadership, my experience, and my integrity is needed in Cabarrus County.  More importantly, exercise your constitutional right, and obligation, to vote!