RFP Staff

♦ Late Friday afternoon a pair of street people hurled rocks at the rear of new Wallace Educational Forum at 500 North Main in Salisbury.  When the person, who sent us these cell phone photos, noticed the vandals, he hit his horn twice and the pair hurried away on foot.  None of the lower windows appeared damaged.

Being right up on North Main Street, the domed “Taj” offers a generous target of windows and walls for roving vandals and Salisbury’s legion graffiti artists and gang taggers.  The Wallace Educational Forum sits open and unprotected from anyone desiring to make an artistic statement with rock or spray can.  How many days before a Latin King Crown graces the front door or a window or two is cobwebbed by a passing “rocker”?

RFP Staff

♦ On Monday morning John Lowell Hopkins, Jr., 40, of 179 Sechler Street in China Grove was arrested for allegedly for having meth’s precursor drugs and a multi-lab meth (one-pot shake and bake) manufacturing set-up inside his mobile home. A loaded handgun was found inside of Hopkin’s Nissan SUV parked outside of the mobile home at 179 Sechler Street (pictured below):

All morning and into the later afternoon and evening his mobile home was abuzz with Sheriff’s deputies and emergency services personnel, carting out potentially hazardous and explosive chemicals.

Hopkins was charged with 2 counts of possessing immediate precursor chemicals (felony), maintain a dwelling for controlled substance (felony), and manufacture control substance schedule I (felony). Under a secured $200,000 bond, Hopkins remains in the Rowan County Detention Center in Salisbury, N.C.

Also arrested in the mobile home was Richard Brent Thompson, 45, of Cabarrus County wanted for 3 charges of failure to appear/comply (misdemeanor). Thompson was sent back to Cabarrus where he is being held on a secured $4,000 bond.

John Lowell Hopkins, Jr.’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0875088&searchLastName=Hopkins&searchFirstName=john&searchMiddleName=l&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

Richard Brent Thompson’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0406977&searchLastName=Thompson&searchFirstName=Richard&searchMiddleName=b&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

John Lowell Hopkins, Jr.:

Richard Brent Thompson:

CODE BLUE

♦ The math in the city’s officer pay raise proposal is curious.  Assuming City Manager Bailey’s police vacancies are 12 (We hear on March 8th there’s actually 20 vacancies with more openings on the way).  It would cost between $410,685.96 to $440,685,86 to fill these 12 alleged spots. The lower figure is base pay, with no educational incentive. The higher figure assumes a) ALL new hires have master’s degrees and b) the educational incentive actually goes through. This educational incentive is old baloney that has yet to materialize since the 1980’s. Perhaps this time it’s “for real”.  As we’ve observed Salisbury’s city hall seldom sticks to their promises.

Since the city deliberately evades providing specific numbers, let’s assume 70 current sworn officers. This seems higher than the actual number and errs on the city’s favor. Submit a FOIA request for the names of all sworn officers to experience the city’s “transparency’. It’s a fact the city plugged Fibrant employees into vacant spots throughout the city to “turn the corner” via “magic math” by subtracting their salary from the “new” department. This may explain the evasiveness on answering public information requests.

Using the lowest figure for hiring twelve officers – base pay, no educational incentive – allows for a pay increase of $5,866 per officer. Naturally, when we use candidates with a master’s degree hiring costs increase – allowing $6,295 per officer if divided among the assumed 70 current officers.

The city is offering $1,600 (But are City Hall’s sleazes then going to subtract our merit pay from the $1,600 like they’ve done in the past?) Officers might receive this “pay adjustment” but no merit raises for the year. Essentially this chump change $1,600 would replace merit raises – resulting in no real gain. The city, however, gets a nice fluff piece in the local newsletter about “fixing” the problem”. It also offers a meaningless excuse for the dangerously understaffed department (Oh we spent all the hiring funds on this pay increase.)

The total cost for the raises would be between $112,000 (no educational incentive) and $287,000 (assuming every officer gets a master’s degree and incentive for it) The cost of filling the “12 vacancies” is between $410,685 and $440,685 under the same terms. An approx. difference of between $158,000 and $298.00.

Where is the rest of the money going? Will this raise actually address attrition – or are other factors also influencing the sky-high turnover rate? Does anyone believe a $1600 raise will “fix” the chronic officer shortage? Does it address the damage Collins did to relationships with some parts of the community? Fix the evidence room? Address the “leadership” style Collins created and left behind? This is a short term maneuver, intended to calm complaints while allowing the city to operate in exactly the same irresponsible manner.

Finally, exactly how many raises/bonuses could the city give to underpaid officers if Collins weren’t collecting “advisory” fees through June of this year? Is he still collecting city benefits and insurance too? If so, why? Wouldn’t the taxpayers be better served by retaining officers instead of paying a “medical” user of synthetic heroin for his “advice”? Collins was (and apparently still IS) making approx. $90,000 per year, more than twice the cost of a new officer. Wouldn’t two new officers be more helpful than the advice of a synthetic heroin user?

Chump change $1,600 raises are going to get most officers putting in elsewhere.

RFP Staff

♦ With recent talk about officers in the Salisbury Police department “maybe” getting a much needed pay raise, its important to discuss why Salisbury Police officers avoid staying with the Salisbury Police.

1) The agency is managed by the Human Resources (H.R.) with no law enforcement experience and outside the day-to-day functioning of the department. H.R. has created a toxic environment. Former Chief Collins, in his sworn deposition, testified a mere written reprimand was beyond his authority and required H.R.’s approval. This is unheard of in normal functioning police departments.

2) The agency is grossly understaffed (It’s alleged by current and retired officers that approximately 20 slots are empty) and leaves officers without backup or support. Collins himself admitted a 75% turnover under his watch. This trend appears to be ongoing.

3) The high rate of attrition is aimed primarily at senior personnel. The loss of experienced officers means field training is practically meaningless. How much can a rookie officer teach another rookie? The budget cuts virtually eliminated outside training beyond that required for certification.

4) The former chief, an admitted twice daily oxycotin user, established a management team in his style. Is anyone pleased with the current state of the PD? It’s very unlikely to change when a management team, trained in the exact methods that failed, remains in place.

5) Current pay is in no way competitive. Why work for less money when you can make more at a department appreciating your work?  Now they’re offering a CHUMP CHANGE $1,600 raise.  Learn all about this slap in the face of SPD officers:

The City Dangles a CHUMP CHANGE $1,600 raise that’s NO WAY Competitive with Other Area Law Enforcement Agencies

6) The reputation of the Salisbury Police Department has been severely damaged over the last few years. The evidence room, Chief Rory Collins deposition admissions, soaring crime rate, and so forth don’t look well on a resume. Experience at a failed department will no carry the weight of experience at a successful department. Why work for less while getting less credit from it?

7) The former chief has alienated large parts of the Salisbury community the department serves. Why work for an agency that has turned large segments of the population against you before you ever begin? Work elsewhere for greater benefits and less hostility from the agency and the community.

H.R. Memos:

RFP Staff

♦ Antione Terrell “Sky” McGee, 29, of Salisbury remained in critical condition Tuesday at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during Saturday night’s double shooting-homicide at the J.C. Price American Legion Post at 1433 Old Wilkesboro Road in Salisbury’s West End. His brother Devon Daniel McGee, 24, died as the result of his wounds at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital last Saturday morning.

Antione Terrell “Sky” McGee:

The Late Devon Daniel McGee:

The investigation continues. At this time no arrests have been made in the case. Law enforcement sources have not announced if the double shooting-homicide was gang related.

If someone has information about this double shooting-homicide please contact the Salisbury Police Department at 704-638-5333 or call Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

The March 6th RFP article: “2 Gun Battles Break Out in Salisbury, N.C.’s West End Early this A.M. One Man Dies after Being Shot at J.C. Price American Legion Post”:

UPDATED: At around 2:15 a.m. a fist fight broke out in a party inside the Joseph Charles “J.C.” Price American Legion Post at 1433 Old Wilkesboro Road in Salisbury’s West End. The two participants, both described as Black males and were separated by security and asked to leave. According to persons at the scene, the fight escalated outside in the rear of the Legion Post into a pitched gun battle. When the firing subsided, two men were reported down in the lot behind the legion hall. The ground, where the two gunshot victims lay, was blood soaked.

The two men, shot behind J.C. Price, were later identified this morning as Antoine Terrell “Sky” McGee, 29, and his brother Devon Daniel McGee, 24, both of Salisbury. Antoine McGee remains in critical condition, but his brother Devon died. Both men were transported earlier by helicopter to Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem.

The Late Devon Daniel McGee:

Antoine Terrell McGee:

Right after the shooting occurred Salisbury Police vehicles began filling up the area and emergency vehicles were shortly on the scene. About an hour later another gun battle between two cars broke out near the Brenner Crossing Apartments on Brenner Avenue across from the cemetery. Multiple gunshots were reported.

One of the vehicles involved in the gun battle stopped and the driver got out and fled the area. K-9s were brought to the scene.

It is not confirmed at this time if the shooting at J.C. Price was related to the gun battle on Brenner Avenue.

“J.C.” Price American Legion Hall was the site of the tragic crossfire homicide of 13-year old Treasure Feamster in 2007 when she stepped between rival gangs.

If someone has information about these two incidents please contact the Salisbury Police Department at 704-638-5333 or call Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

J.C. Price American Legion Post in Salisbury, N.C,:

RFP Staff

♦ Video: County Commissioner Craig Pierce Guards Taxpayer Money During Discussion of “Gateway Monuments” with Chairman Edds:

CarolinaJournal.Com/Julie Tisdale

♦ Local Governments Should Stick to Core Functions:

Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman

♦ Ok Facebook friends, you know I don’t ask for financial assistance very often and typically only if it’s to bless a child or children.

There is a new not-for-profit organization that recently opened at 218-B South Main Street across from Salisbury’s City Hall. Their mission is awesome. Their goal is to provide bicycles for kids and adults in need and to teach bicycle safety. The great catch is that a child can come to their shop, help build the bike, and take it with them at no cost.

Right now they are in the midst of a fundraiser to give helmets to kids and riders. Their goal is to raise $500 by May 1st in $10 donations.

http://www.thepedalfactory.org/posts/annual-bicycle-helmet-donation-drive

I’m not a part of this organization, but I believe in their mission. So, I’m asking you as I did for the kids’ IPad fees in our school system, to dig deep and generously donate a minimum of a tax deductible $10 for this great cause of buying helmets. I hope you will give more if possible.

If you need more detailed information or to donate via PayPal, click on the link below. If you want to donate in person, I will be happy to pick up and forward your contribution.

Contact the organizers, Rhonda Kiefer Harrison and/or Sharon Earnhardt on Facebook to learn more and make a donation.

Thank you in advance for helping them exceed their goal with your generous donations!

http://www.thepedalfactory.org

RFP Staff

♦ One month after Rowan Free Press made public emails documenting that Salisbury Finance Manager Wade Furches requested and was provided perks by the city’s audit firm Martin and Starnes, the city has decided to switch audit firms.

Elliot Davis Decosimo will become the city’s new audit firm as of March 15th, 2016. The city will award them a $32,000 contract, with an option for a two year extension.

Rowan Free Press previously reported how Wade Furches changed the type of accrual in the annual audit presentation made to City Council in a way making a Fibrant loss appear to be a Fibrant profit. Furches made Martin and Starnes aware of this change via email. After the City of Salisbury provided RFP those emails via a FOIA request, they then publicly announced Fibrant was running an overall loss due to being subsidized by the General Fund in excess of $3M a year. Read more about the change of accrual here:

Salisbury City Finance Director Changed Audit Presentation to Make Fibrant Appear Profitable in 2014

To read the emails Rowan Free Press made public about Furches’ requested perks from audit firm Martin Starnes click here:

City Finance Director Wade Furches Asks for Family Perks from Vendor. Vendor Delivers the Goods

RFP Staff

♦ Sadly the Jerky Station announced their closing after a brief 10 month run on 107 S. Main Street in Downtown Salisbury.  Opened from June 2015 until now, this specialty jerky shop sold a wide-variety of tasty jerkies–an outstanding source of high protein.  All is not glum.  The Jerky Station, operated by Brad McDaniel and his father Delmar from Rowan County, will be reopening their shop in Downtown Boone, N.C. a state university town with outstanding foot traffic.  Outstanding foot traffic is something lacking in ghostly Downtown Salisbury with its numerous vacant storefronts and its blighted South Main Badlands.

The Jerky Station stay of about 10 months Downtown Salisbury is about average for newcomer shops and restaurants no matter how excellent they are.  Since the very poor holiday shopping season,  Belissima, Uncle Bucks, Romo’s Pizzaria, Dead Eds, O.K. Wigs, Firehouse Brew Pit, and others turned off the lights. At this writing at least 4-5 shops and restaurants are said to be folding their tents.

Why do so many newcomer shops and restaurants close after a short run in Downtown Salisbury?

• Little foot and automobile traffic.

• The highest Downtown Tax in all of North Carolina in the notorious Municipal Service District. This excessive tax supports a horrific investment in the decrepit Empire Hotel in the blighted South Main badlands.  This toxic dump needs demolishing.  It’s costs for abatement and gutting would make any investment and development prohibitive.  The Empire Hotel was last opened as a flophouse in 1963 sure to scare most developers off.  Solution: Demolish it and put up a 2-tiered parking lot.

• Little spendable income in Salisbury making retail and restaurants fall into the survival mode to scrap for very limited dollars.

• Muggings, the shooting near “Go Burrito”,  the Waffle House window getting shot out, and indecent exposure activity by the Wells Fargo mural make Downtown scary especially during the night with an understaffed Police Department.  The side streets in Downtown Salisbury can be dangerous during even daylight hours. How many women get “punched out” on Downtown streets or have their purses snatched?

• Historic codes add to the high cost of Downtown retail and eateries.

• Pilferage in Downtown stores cuts down on profits.  Eat and skip the bill is all too common in Downtown eateries.

• The rents of many Downtown buildings excessively raising the costs of doing business.

• Lack of parking spaces in the Downtown make it uninviting.

• The lack of many attractions and draws.  Rowan and Salisbury folks do much shopping on the internet and in large chain stores beyond Rowan’s borders.

• Middle and upper income people are moving away.

Brad, Owner of the Jerky Station, posted this goodbye on Facebook Thursday:

“It is true. We are moving to Boone to 742 W. King Street. We originally started in Salisbury because we are from Salisbury and it was much simpler to set up. We hoped that we could keep Salisbury as a location, but there are two important factors that will not make this possible.

I need to preface this by letting you know that none of this is intended to be a complaint and I’m just letting you know the facts of our experience. Mainly because I’m reading what I’m typing here and I am sounding really whiny haha. Also, I love the people of Salisbury and the most difficult part of this process is leaving behind the people who supported us with all the joy and confidence in the world.

The important factors that I spoke of earlier are that the operating costs are relatively high and that there is not enough foot traffic to offset them for us. We barely turned a profit in December and that was the store operating at it’s max potential. In comparison, the Boone store’s operating costs will be literally half of what they were in Salisbury. Also, foot traffic on King Street is substantially higher. I’d say the amount of people out on a Friday Night Out (downtown Salisbury events) is comparable to a standard day in Boone in terms of foot traffic. I have ideas about how downtown Salisbury could increase revenue, but this post is getting too long (basically there needs to be more housing in the downtown area)…”

RFP Staff

♦ Have you heard about Cooper the Cat? Cooper according to Debbie Orbison suffered his jaw being broken allegedly during a microchip implantation at Rowan County Animal Control and has since caused an outcry among animal advocates, setting off an investigation of an unnamed animal control worker. The animal advocates side of the story can be found on the Debbie Orbison’s Facebook page and on “Saving Cooper, N.C.” on Facebook. These Facebook pages are updated during Cooper’s crisis.

The county manager Aaron Church says the county will pay for all of Cooper’s veterinary bills. An investigation is being conducted by a state inspector and when he completes the investigation, details of the injury will be released. The county also maintains they have not taken part in a mass feral cat kill-off.

Cooper is eating soft food.

The Facebook Page for “Saving Cooper N.C.”:

The Facebook Page of Debbie Orbison:

https://www.facebook.com/orbison1?ref=br_rs

Chuck Hughes, Salisbury, N.C.

♦ Recently, I was asked several questions about “Early College” at the monthly Saturday GOP breakfast. I answered them to the best of my ability, yet I required some additional information. This morning I have more complete information.

Q 1: What are the college class opportunities for our 9-12? Can they outside of the Early College and do they have to get them on their own time?

A: All RSSS juniors and seniors who meet the minimum academic requirements for RCCC can take community college classes for dual enrollment. This can be completed during school hours or after school hours. Some courses are even available for students to take over the summer.

Q 3: What are some of the current goals related to R/SSS and RCCC?

A: The conversations with RCCC have been to continue to increase the number of students who are taking classes for dual enrollment. This chart shows the increases in the number of RSS students who have taken courses at RCCC. This number does NOT include students enrolled in the Early College. We have an additional 260 (approximately) students enrolled in the Early College. As you can see, we have been working hard to expand the opportunities to more students each year at our individual schools. Career and College Promise courses are contained in the high school guidebook and online. We also have conducted individual meetings at schools for parents/students on the college course opportunities available. Because we are 1:1, students also have the opportunity to take college classes online. The chart below shows the numbers that have taken advantage of this option over past years:

Q 3 Which of our High Schools are magnets, and what are the magnets. If not all, then why not make each a magnet of sorts?

A: We do not have any high schools that are magnet schools. However, each high school has an academy. Students who would like to attend another school’s academy can apply prior to entering the 9th grade.

Q 4: Other than RCCC not being willing to have teachers travel away from the grounds and some extra, costs, what is preventing Early College expansion?

A: Our early college is funded through a grant through New Schools. We would have to apply for a second grant to open a new Early College and cover the additional local expenses outside of the grant. Additionally, this model is designed for the high school to be on the college campus.

Q 5: Is it a mandate that students put foot on the college grounds in order to obtain credits?

A: Students can take classes online and face-to-face through RCCC. I have attached the courses available to our students online through RCCC for Career and College Promise dual credit. Because we have provided every student with a laptop, any junior or senior who qualifies for enrollment into RCCC can take the classes. The only cost to the student is a textbook if required for the course.

Q 6. Do we have any R/SS teachers that are eligible to teach at community college level?

A: I am sure we have some RSS teachers who would qualify to teach community college classes.

Q 7 What might school choice in all of our schools as a future goal look like?:

A: If implemented, school choice could look something like this:

1. Start at HS as a trial then, if successful, migrates down to elementary and middle school level, much like the changes we approved for KMS, if grants are approved. Essentially, it would look something like this:

2. Once enrolled in a choice school, the student would be required to complete the grade span at the chosen school (elementary, middle, and HS). If the student’s bus route is outside of the chosen school, parents would have to provide transportation to the new school.

3.The HS 365 athletic wait would remain in place.

4. Choice school enrollment outside of the bus route district would be capped at a level that would provide room for anyone moving into that area since they would be eligible for enrollment as a 1st choice.

There are many different opinions and pros/cons of school choice and I’m not sure I have all of the answers. However, currently in RSSS, all students can choose to apply for a transfer to a high school academy of another school during the spring of their 8th grade year.

Steve Mensing, Editor with Rowan County Commissioner Mike Caskey running for re-election.

♦ The primaries are underway and our Rowan County citizens are already showing up at the polls. There’s much popular support for incumbent county commissioners Craig Pierce and Mike Caskey who served admirably in office. The Rowan Free Press supports both of these commissioners in their re-election bids. This morning we’re going to interview Commissioner Mike Caskey who accomplished much during his first two terms in office.

Steve Mensing: Mike, glad you could take time from your non-stop activies as a county commissioner, Charlotte policeman, campaigning all over Rowan County, and being a family man.

Mike Caskey: Thank you for the opportunity to talk about our County, Steve.

Steve Mensing: Okay, let’s get down to it. What are some of your strongest motivations to return to the Rowan County Commission for a second term?        

Mike Caskey: First I enjoyed my time serving the citizens of Rowan County and would like to continue finding ways to make their lives and the county better. Our county specifically and the country in general has gone through some tough times over the last 5-10 years. Our government can have a great influence on people’s lives though its laws and regulations as well as its actions. Sometimes even its inaction. I believe the county government should be as small as possible while providing the services required by the citizens. That being said, I believe our county is positioned to blast off economically over the next four years and I would like to be part of the team that will chart our future.

Steve Mensing: It appears public safety is an area drawing a fair amount of your attention as a Commissioner.

Mike Caskey: Being a police officer and a long time board member of Enochville Volunteer Fire Department, I find public safety an area where I have much experience. Because Public Safety is close to one-fifth of the county budget, it’s vital we pay close attention to what we’re spending on it. I believe we’ve been able to make some major improvements in Public Safety over the last few years. We have added four additional Deputy Sheriffs patrolling our county roads. We are currently in the process of adding a new EMS station in the Rockwell area. Having a new station in this underserviced area will allow the other ambulances around the county to stay in their current zones more often. We’ve been working with the Rescue Squad to upgrade some dated equipment. We also have a new contract with the Volunteer Fire Departments which will give the County and the departments a better understanding what each expects from the other.

Steve Mensing: Okay switching gears here. You focused a lot about Veterans Services in your first term. A lot was accomplished.

Mike Caskey: Yes, Veteran services has a special place in my heart. I believe it is impossible to repay those who have given so much of themselves selflessly to our country.  Three years ago we had only one Veteran Service Officer working in a small cramped office. We now have two fulltime Veteran Service Officers and a one fulltime administrative assistant. We moved them to different offices that provide enough room and privacy for our Veteran clients. Lastly we moved the department from under the county manager to under a director having the proper time to oversee the department. Incidentally this director is a retired active duty Army Master Sergeant.

Steve Mensing: How is the current relationship between the County Commission and the Rowan-Salisbury School Board?

Mike Caskey: Good question Steve. The relationship between the two boards was rocky for decades it seems. I think we currently have a good working relationship with the school board which is a dramatic change over just a few years ago when it reached an all time low. This was when the school board threatened to sue the county. We are now able to talk civilly with each other on a regular basis and I believe we’ve built some measure of trust. The school board is willing to work with us and does not send us budgets that everyone knows from the outset could never be met. Because of this when they asked us for funds that they said would be used for teacher supplements we were able to allocate $800,000 to increase their current expense funding in the last year’s budget. We still have some important issues we need to work on with the School Board and trust will be important in getting these things accomplished.

Steve Mensing: What are some key items the county will need to work on over the next few years?

Mike Caskey: Generally speaking we still have several important issues to tackle over the next few years. Economic development is probably the most important because it is the key to funding those things we would like to do for our citizens. We are working toward developing the I-85 corridor with county water and sewer. We would also like to work with the Rowan Cabarrus Community College and the Rowan Salisbury School System to strengthen our work force through education and training. To help accomplish this we could use some of the flex space in the West End Plaza to create areas for training and education.  Another area of interest is partnering with developers to create site ready areas for building manufacturing facilities. And always we continue to work to streamline the building inspection process. We also plan to continue the progress we have made at the Rowan County Airport.

Steve Mensing: Mike, I appreciate you responding to our request for an interview. Good luck on Monday.

Mike Caskey: Thanks for asking Steve.

RFP Staff

♦ Voting in the final days of Rowan County’s early voting was relatively light in Salisbury and at the two polling places in the county.  Saturday was more active than during the week at the public library in Salisbury.  Perhaps a much better turnout will occur on Tuesday.

We thank all those who sent us photos during the week and on Saturday’s final day of early voting at the Rowan Public Library in Salisbury.

Last Day of Early Voting on Saturday at the Rowan Public Library in Salisbury.  Voters lined up at the door:

All quiet at the Rockwell polling place on Friday:

“Jesus is Lord” Productions” campaign handbill being distributed in Rowan County by an unregistered PAC:

Handbill front and back covers:

Handbill (inside pages):

RFP Staff

♦ Photo Gallery: Rowan County Republican “Lincoln-Reagan” Dinner a Success! Brock-Forest-Ford-Warren-Caskey-Pierce-Burr-Auten Attend:

Stephen Kidd, M.C.

Commissioner Craig Pierce and City Councilman Kenny Hardin

Lt. Gov. Dan Forest

Rep. Carl Ford and Craig Pierce

Commissioner Craig Pierce Receives Republican of the Year 2013

U.S. Senator Richard Burr

Rep. Harry Warren

Terry Osborne, Chris Sifford, Commissioner Craig Pierce, and Councilman Kenny Hardin

Chris Sifford, Sheriff Kevin Auten, Councilman Kenny Hardin

Rowan’s World Famous girl’s Little League Softball Champions

Commissioner Craig Pierce with his wife and mother

Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman

♦ As promised during my campaign, I’m offering transparency as much as possible. As a Councilman, I try to keep everyone abreast of my involvement, activities, work and interactions. I want those who put their trust in me with their vote to know I’m out working.

I want to break this veil of secrecy and refusal to be open about things the City has engaged in for years. There is a position that we should limit contact with the media and not respond when asked about issues and things going on.

As I said to one of my colleagues after the last Council meeting, I was not hired by the City nor do I work for any of the other Council members so I will not be restrained by them or care how they feel about me being open and transparent. So, I will continue to share meetings and conversations with the public that are not privileged.

I had a short but meaningful conversation with our District Attorney, Brandy Cook, last night at the Republican dinner. It was my first time meeting her. We touched on the poor relationship between law enforcement and the Black community. I explained how this lack of trust and communication hampers solving crime and the unsolved murders we have.

I shared with her a comment our previous Chief made to the West End Pride group saying they knew who committed five of the murders but it was difficult working with her because of her expectations of evidence that was different from the previous DA before her.

I appreciated that she took the time to explain what her approach and expectations involving prosecuting murder cases involved. I was left with a favorable impression and explained that I was committed to repairing and improving the fractured relationship.

RFP Staff

♦ Tuesday City Council Meets at 5 p.m. at 217 South Main Street to discuss replacing Martin and Starnes Auditing with the Elliot Davis Decosimo after it was revealed by the RFP that the city’s finance manager Wade Furches solicited perks from Martin and Starnes and got them.

BREAKING: City of Salisbury Changes Audit Firm One Month after PERKS to Finance Manager Wade Furches Were Revealed in RFP

Also on Tuesday’s agenda is a presentation by ex-mayor Susan Klutz, who lost to Paul Woodson and became the N.C. Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources. Klutz junketed around the state with the governor in a failed bid to fully reinstate the North Carolina Historic Tax Credits. Instead McCrory only received a pat on the head from state lawmakers and a greatly diminished historic tax credit package. In another year that pittance will be halved. Perhaps at in the near future historic tax credits will be eradicated entirely and small businessmen will be able to spend their own money on their businesses as they see fit instead of being forced through historic tax credits to gift often wealthy city hall cronies to “historically” renovate their buildings and manses. If someone desires to restore their houses and buildings let them do it on their own dime. In meantime the RFP will bring the utmost harm to this scam. Learn more about this “Historic Tax Credits” and its abuses here:

Local Delegation Chilly to Reviving Historic Preservation Tax Credits. Brock and Warren Fend Off Nagging at Legislative Breakfast

Defrocking the So-Called Historic Preservation “Tax Credit” Scam

Letter-to-the-Editor: Business Owners Prefer to Spend on Their Own Businesses instead Historic Preservation Tax Credits

Historic Preservation Tax Credit Abuses are Many. Time to Protect the Taxpayers and Our Communities

Gentrify This? The Dark Side of Gentrification

Historic Preservation and Gentrification: Modern Weapons for Neighborhood “Cleansing”

Historic Preservation Tax Credits

Also on Monday will be a discussion by City Council about the $2 billion dollar statewide bond referendum called NC Connect Bond Act. While higher educational institutions would profit from the bond, many state taxpayers appear ambivalent about being on the hook for this bond. The outcome of this referendum appears murky.

The council will hear presentations and public comment about special community organizations 2016-2017 budget requests.

A discussion of off-premises billboards within the city zoning jurisdiction.

There will be a PUBLIC COMMENT period and the city manager provides comments.

RFP Staff

♦ Marco Antonio Santillan, 24, of Salisbury and an alleged major meth trafficker in a city drowning in meth, heroin, and crack, walked out of the YMCA at 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. Tuesday with a female companion when he was abruptly surrounded by agents from the DEA and other federal agencies with their guns drawn. Noting the overwhelming show of firepower, Santillan promptly surrendered without resistance and was handcuffed.

Santillan was charged with traffic in methamphetamine (felony) and conspire to traffic methamphetamine (felony). Under a secured $1,000,000 bond, Santillan is currently being held in the Rowan County Detention Center in Salisbury.

**This article will be updated as more information becomes available.**

RFP Staff

♦ Rowan County, N.C.’s unsolved murders with all the known facts and photographs going back several decades. The Sheriff’s Office “Cold Case” files:

http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/SheriffsOffice/ColdCases.aspx