RFP Staff
♦ As expected today the Local Government Commission (LGC) approved a $3.95 million dollar loan to replenish Rowan County’s fund balance and to fund renovations for the West End Plaza.
After listening to discussions and statements from County Manager Aaron Church and attorney David Shelby, representing the political action group La Resistance, the LGC resoundingly approved the County loan application with a single no vote against it.
County Manager Aaron Church’s defense of the loan was simple and straightforward. He told the LGC that the county commissioners approved the loan by a 5 to 0 vote and Rowan County fully supports the loan. Today’s approved loan is identical to initial loan submitted in 2014 except today’s interest rates are lower.
David Shelby, speaking in opposition to the loan, called today’s loan a mortgage on the “mall” and said the loan didn’t meet the requirements of being necessary or expedient. He claimed the recently submitted West End Plaza “Master Plan” as being a sign that no firm plan exists for 1/3 of the 320,000 square foot facility.
The LGC asked Shelby if La Resistance primary purpose was to fight the West End Plaza. Shelby answered that his political action group was formed to resist the Rowan Tea Party. (The Rowan Tea Party is a pleasant supper club gathering that has become politically inactive in recent years and a popular boogeyman target for the “mutually terminated” Doug Paris and his colorful pappy Todd Paris)
During a discussion among the LGC, a member mentioned the County’s loan appeared routine and the West End Plaza would be used for county office space. That about summed it up.
**This article will be updated as more information arrives**
