Fighting drugs means caring for our children - 9/21/89
Pitt County Public Safety Center/Agricultural Center Groundbreaking - 6/7/91
Public Health & Mental Health Facilities Groundbreaking - 11/2/92
PCC search should eye area standouts - 11/15/02
Forget lottery - just invest in education - 11/29/02
Get involved in Pitt County government - 2/16/03
Government park something to celebrate - 3/3/03
Cooperation runs through city, county - 3/18/03
State should hike cigarette, alcohol taxes - 4/1/03
Citizens can help steer plan for schools - 4/6/03
Friendship crossed racial lines - 8/10/03
Remarks to the Chancellor Selection Committee - 10/28/03
County facing challenging fiscal crossroad - 4/18/04
THE DAILY REFLECTOR CANDIDATE SURVEY - 7/6/04
CAMPAIGN POSTCARDS - JUNE - JULY, 2004
Save United States of America Bonds - September, 2004
“Fighting Drugs means caring for our children” Thomas H. Johnson. The News and Observer, September 21, 1989.
GREENVILLE – As a parent of young adults, I am over-whelmed by the barrage of headlines announcing dramatic new programs to combat drug abuse in our society. As a teacher of health education, I am bewildered by the proposed components of some of those programs. And as a responsible member of a pluralistic society, I am alarmed at the limitations of the law to combat the use of drugs in a free society.
Instead of talking and writing about combating drug abuse, we ought perhaps to be learning how to establish helping relationships with our young people while they are still children. We need to find out more about how personal values are transmitted and sustained from one generation to the next and how children form their code of social behavior.
Perhaps we have undervalued our children. We have abandoned them, left them alone at home in the dark, and bought them off with money. We have taught them, too often by example, that it is a sign of weakness to ask for help, that it is not acceptable to cry, and that love, kindness, tenderness, caring, and compassion have no place in a competitive world that runs on hype and high technology.
People whose worth is recognized very early in life develop self-esteem and self-confidence. They acquire good habits of mind and learn respect for their bodies. They learn to care about themselves and, sooner or later, about others.
Firmly establishing positive behavior requires us to respond to the search among young people for some sense of order, some structure, some guiding discipline. Responding to that search requires us to fill the need among our young for respect; for unconditional love; for reasonable provision of creature comforts like a place of one’s own that is personal and private, good food and a clean bed, and somebody to talk to in a thunderstorm. These are minimal needs that too many children have no access to these days.
What we need to give our children is time. We need time to love them and to show them how to love themselves. We need to be more constantly in their company, to work and play in close proximity to them; to share our time with them and to teach them how to use their own time constructively in rewarding, challenging and satisfying pursuits.
Children who are abused and neglected grow into adults who abuse and neglect others. They behave the way they have been treated. They learn their lessons in responsive behavior from the people who communicate their own values clearly in early relationships. We have to take control of the messages we send to young children through the ways in which we respond to their needs and the ways in which we impose discipline upon them. We have to care, and they have to know that we care. We’ve got to decide who we are and what we stand for, and we have to communicate a clear message to our young people that it is great to be alive, to be happy and to be productive, and that anyone can be that way.
While it is difficult to say where we should begin, I suggest that we might start by reviving and elevating the time-honored value called ritual. We can insist that our children assemble themselves in our presence at mealtime, that they stand when they hear the national anthem, and that they salute the flag. They must be taught anew to bow their heads when prayers are being offered and to congratulate the winners of their sandlot baseball games.
A positive self-image is not mass-produced. Every self-image is different, and every one is developed in its own separate and isolated casing. The fragile butterfly, emerging from its cocoon, lives or dies depending upon whether it finds a warm and sunny spring in which to thrive or a cold and hostile winter.
A child born into this world is not appreciably different. For butterflies or for children, it is the cold that kills.
Pitt County Public Safety Center/Pitt County Agricultural Center Groundbreaking.
June 7, 1991.
REMARKS BY
Tom Johnson, Chairman, Pitt County Commissioners.
“If we are ever to have peace, it is going to be based upon justice. And the first criteria of justice is the punishment of the guilty, the individual, not his community.” “…the time has come in the progress of civilization to do this one thing – enforce order on the individual.”
These are the words of Dr. Robert Lee Humber, spoken to the Greenville Rotary Club on November 9, 1970. The occasion was the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the United Nations. Less than twenty-four hours later, Dr. Humber died. Dr. Humber loved his home, Greenville, Pitt County, North Carolina, and if he were alive today, he would be standing among us exemplifying his leadership for this community.
Anarchy does not work in the world order nor will it work here in Pitt County. This is a community of laws. Law and order must prevail.
A leader is an individual whose ideas and actions influence the thoughts and behavior of others. Ladies and Gentlemen, you have the distinction of the designation leader. Today, I ask you to seek out other leaders in this community – to spread the word that this community will no longer tolerate violence in any form.
Neither can we survive if we as individuals decide which law to accept or to reject.
May I suggest that every citizen in this community accept the responsibility either as a leader or as a follower. There is no room in Pitt County for those people who violate the rights of others. Let everyone hear these words:
THERE IS NO ROOM IN PITT COUNTY FOR THOSE WHO VIOLATE THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS.
Today, we are here to recognize and to celebrate the beginning of construction of the first two buildings in the Pitt County Office Park.
This Pitt County Office Park is designed to provide for the office needs of Pitt County Government for years to come. A 120 acre parcel of land, located 2.5 miles from the Court House; just to the North of the Tar River from the center of justice, North along Greene Street.
Upon the occasion of a recent tour of this facility, Kenneth Dews, our immediate past Chairman of the County Commissioners commented to a small group of staff and Commissioners that this land was too poor to grow crops. Too poor to be used for agriculture purposes, but just right for this park. Fill dirt from the retention lake has been described by architect and park planner Richard Johnson as outstanding, just perfect for the foundation of the first two buildings.
This Public Safety Center has land allocated for the future addition of office space for the sheriff, magistrates, and court room for criminal court.
We also gather here to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Pitt County Agricultural Center. We do so to celebrate a “tradition.” Agriculture is a tradition from which we have all come. Whether it be us directly or our ancestors, we all have at some point been the beneficiaries of a strong agricultural heritage. Since the 1940’s, when 40% of our citizens earned their living from the farm, the progression of our agriculture has enabled our society to grow and for other industries to begin. And today, with only 2.8% of N.C.’s population living on the farm, our agriculture has continued to diversify. This diversification has allowed us to invest in other segments of our society. Sixty years ago, the average family spent three times as much income on food as it does today.
Here in Pitt County, agriculture contributed $143 million dollars to our local economy last year. As we reaffirm the greatness of this industry today, and the role that it has played in Pitt County, we also salute those individuals who shared a vision to make this county great. People like that handful of farmers who met on October 7, 1885 to discuss the possibility of growing the first crop of tobacco in Pitt County. People like G. F. Evans, who operated the first tobacco warehouse. And people today who seek out new and innovative ways of producing quality agricultural products.
According to Walker Merryman, in 1614, in England there was a shortage of small copper coins and retailers solved the problem by striking their own coins, each with the trade’s name, business, and address. Until issuance of these coins was made illegal in 1672, thousands of coins were circulated in every town throughout the country. The ones issued by tobacconists had images evocative of smoking: three pipes on one man’s coin, for example, and a roll of tobacco on another.
If we could follow those imaginary “agriculturally-minted” coins, they would start in the farmer’s pocket and in mine and yours. They’d soon be in the pockets of the man at the grocery store and the bureaucrat in the nearest state facility; they’d be in the pockets of the automobile worker and the insurance salesman and in virtually every corporate board-room.
An extraordinary large number of people today including many of our nation’s policymakers do not appreciate how much economic activity is being generated across the United States by agriculture and other agri-business industries. Nor do they appreciate how many dollars are paid in compensation for work associated with the agricultural industry.
We can’t mint our own coins but the Pitt County Agriculture Center will represent the effort to remedy the lack of awareness. It is a fitting tribute to one of Pitt County’s vital industries.
Pitt County Public Health & Mental Health Facilities
Groundbreaking.
November 2, 1992
Remarks by Tom Johnson, Sr.
Today we record another benchmark in the history of our public commitment to the people of Pitt County and eastern North Carolina. It is with great pleasure and with great pride that we break ground for the construction of these new facilities from which all people in our county and the region will be receiving the consistently good services to which they have become accustomed through the years.
In the private sector, there is a relatively recent concept called total quality management. As I understand it, total quality management focuses on customer satisfaction with a product or a service and aims for every aspect of an operation to be the best that it can be. It is fully participatory and it aims to empower employees to do their jobs to the best of their ability in the best possible work environment.
As professional health care givers in the public sector, you already know about total quality management. The collective dedication of the staff, from the county manager through every agency in every department, reflects total quality management at every level. You have been consistently professional in your performance and in your commitment to public service.
Those of you who are gathered here today to celebrate this ceremonial event already do your jobs to the best of your ability. You attend to the needs of people with careful attention to the quality of your service with admirable concern for customer satisfaction. Hopefully, these new buildings will permit you to do your best work in the best possible environment. You have earned that right. We are grateful to you for that dedicated service.
Some decisions, while they go unnoticed at the time, make a tremendous difference in the lives of large numbers of people. The decision to bring together a skilled and dedicated work force with modern facilities was probably one such decision. This project began with a simple act, the appointment of two facility committees to make a needs assessment.
Approximately two years ago, these committees began to develop plans. These plans were reviewed and approved, moved from level to level, from one evaluation process to another, in concert with community leaders, county commissioners, and other keepers of the public trust. From stage to stage, sometimes too slowly, but always with the goal in sight, that process has brought us to this ground breaking. We owe a debt of gratitude to a lot of people who have made this day possible.
Today, we are not only making a little bit of history, we are also building a future for our people. Group homes for young victims of substance abuse and for emotionally disturbed children will be opened on this site. A mental health center with out-patient services, emergency services, employee assistance programs, and services for the care of Willie M children will be operated from these facilities.
Public Health in our community has always played a leadership role in the reduction of preventable death and the enhancement of the overall health of the entire community. The commitment of Pitt County to construct these new and modern facilities for the operations of our Public Health Center is an indication of the extent to which we value Public Health efforts in our community and desire to promote such efforts for a healthy citizenry.
When finished and in full operation, these facilities will be unmatched in North Carolina. We can take new pride in the fact that we have applied the concept of total quality management to the planning process, to the selection of a site, to the construction of these facilities, and to the delivery of these health services. Total quality is excellence in every sphere of operation. Today, we can say that we know what total quality management is because we can see it in every phase of the conception and creation of these facilities.
While we can not be certain about the future needs of the people, we can say that these facilities will provide the setting for delivery of outstanding health care.
It is a pleasure and a privilege for me to participate in this most significant event.
“PCC search should eye area standouts”, Tom Johnson, Sr., in the Public Forum, The Daily Reflector, November 15, 2002.
How does one make a recommendation for a person to succeed such a capable and dedicated leader as Dr. Charles Russell? This person should be able to “walk on water.” For a leading North Carolina community college, one should look for a person with a doctoral degree.
Although there is a trend of thought that the search should be nationwide, I do not subscribe to this feeling. There are well-educated, young leaders here at home. The N. C. system of community colleges is unique. We need to build upon the successes of the past. If Terry Sanford were here today, he would probably recommend that we seek individuals and ask them to apply. The N.C. system of community colleges started by the late governor, senator and Duke University president was designed most of all to offer educational opportunities for all North Carolina citizens. If there is one solution to educational deprivation and poverty, it is providing learning opportunities for everyone. There must be reasonable articulation from elementary, secondary and community colleges to four-year universities and beyond. Cooperation is essential in each of these levels of education. In addition, to the state of North Carolina, Pitt County is a major source of funding for both capital expense and continuation funding.
The public schools and community college budgets represent more than 20 percent of the annual county budget.
Your county commissioners have aided the community college in land acquisition for future campus expansion.
In addition, land has been purchased for a law enforcement safety education facility. There will be a need for additional local money to match for state capital expense money in the near future.
It is my belief that the citizens of Pitt County will want to vote on this proposed expenditure.
The new president of Pitt Community College will need to lead the Pitt County Community College Board of Trustees and the Board of County Commissioners toward appropriate funding which will allow a continuing learning opportunity for every citizen of Pitt County.
“Forget lottery – just invest in education”, Tom Johnson, Sr., in the Public Forum, The Daily Reflector, November 29, 2002.
During the recent session of the Legislature, a great deal was written about the lottery. Money raised from the lottery was supposed to be used to benefit education. Anyone wishing to “play” the lottery knows that winning is a long shot. May I suggest that we continue to invest in education directly. This is a sure bet. Children do not lose education. Each child learns step by step. Tax money goes directly where the needs are.
Parents need to read to their children and listen to them read as they grow older, spend time with homework assistance, and invest in books for them to read.
The local library system is a resource available to all citizens. People may also invest time by tutoring children on an individual basis in school.
As for the future, less fortunate people need hope – that’s spelled e-d-u-c-a-t-i-o-n.
Educated people need a stable marketplace. Retired people need a promise fulfilled. The Pitt County Education Compact proposes to commit tax dollars in increasing amounts each year as long as improvement is evident. On Nov. 25, a report was due. A favorable report was delivered. Stay turned to this important report on you tax dollars at work.
“Get involved in Pitt County government”, Tom Johnson, Sr., in the Public Forum, The Daily Reflector, February 16, 2003.
Be passionate. These are the words frequently used by former State Sen. Ed Warren in small groups and large alike. He practiced this emotion on a regular basis while representing Pitt County in the General Assembly. He was known as Mr. ECU.
When approached by his legislative colleagues about his support for a particular piece of legislation, he would ask, “What’s in it for ECU?” What is your passion? This is the challenge for each of us. May I suggest one for you: some aspect of Pitt County government.
Pitt County was established in 1780 as an arm of state government in order to provide services for the people. There is a place for you to serve in Pitt County government. My passion is “to make a difference” in Pitt County government. Here I go trying to persuade you to help make this county the very best.
Terry Sanford, in his book “But What About the People?,” strongly suggests that each of us must be involved. He defined politics as the “art and science of democratic government.”
Using this definition, how can we fail to participate? Politics is not bad. It is necessary.
Having been actively involved in the faith-based community for many years, I would suggest to you that there is no more bad in county government than in the church. I ask you to assume that county politicians stand for the good of the people.
Telephone them, express your opinion. Volunteer your help. What is your expertise? You can make a difference. It takes a community to have effective county government.
“Government park something to celebrate”, Tom Johnson, Sr., in the Public Forum, The Daily Reflector, March 3, 2003.
More than 10 years ago, I had the privilege of attending a meeting about building a new jail. A representative of state government had asked for the meeting to say to some of the county commissioners, “You must build a new jail. This is your last chance. I will close your jail if you do not proceed.”
We heard him loud and clear. Kenneth Dews led the effort to find a tract of land. The current location of the Pitt County Park was identified.
Two new buildings were soon authorized, a detention center and an agriculture center.
As we celebrate 10 years of occupation in these two buildings, we should recall recent deaths in a western North Carolina jail due to inadequate facilities. We should be thankful for the state representative who challenged us to do the right thing and for the leadership of Kenneth Dews.
The new detention center is now near capacity, and some consideration must be given to an addition to the building. But we can state that even 10 years later, the building is clean, safe, secure and operated as it should be under the careful direction of Sheriff Mac Manning.
Pitt County detainees cannot smoke, use other drugs or watch television. Food, medical care and a place to sleep are provided. There is no basketball or other sports. Certain detainees qualify for outside work with teams used throughout the county for grounds maintenance. In short, it is no vacation, no desired place of “residence”. Pitt County is fulfilling its responsibility. As a citizen, you can be proud.
The agricultural center is also the pride of our county. There is none better in North Carolina. The necessary federal agencies, Soil and Water Conservation, Rural Development and Farm Services are located there, as well as the Pitt County Cooperative Extension offices. We can also be proud of the auditorium which is used extensively by both county agencies and for district meetings of all kinds.
Yes, you should celebrate this 10-year anniversary and be proud.
“Cooperation runs through city, county”, Tom Johnson, Sr., in the Public Forum, The Daily Reflector, March 18, 2003.
Cooperation. That is a very important word. Certainly, cooperation between the city of Greenville and the county of Pitt is essential. There is clear evidence of cooperation on a regular basis.
The Daily Reflector in Our Views recently stated there is a lack of cooperation. One example given was the convention center. I have in my left hand while writing with my right hand, a copy of the nine page minutes of the joint meeting of the two boards of June 16, 1997. A majority of the commissioners thought it would be easier for the City Council to proceed alone. In turn, the commissioners granted all the money and all the power to the city. The 6 percent hotel and motel occupancy tax will financially support the Convention and Visitors Authority and the convention center forever. In this joint effort, the county originally sought and received legislative approval of the tax and implemented the tax. The Convention Center and Visitor’s Bureau has a 14-member board, six of whom are recommended by the county commissioners and appointed by the City Council. The inter-local agreement is working great.
The Daily Reflector also mentioned Sheppard Memorial Library. In addition to annual appropriations to the library from the county, a major contribution was made to the new facility. The bookmobile was purchased entirely by the county.
One of the very best examples of cooperation is recycling. Last year, 26,000 tons of recyclables, at a landfill savings of $800,000 was achieved. Now that is really cooperation.
I am a self-appointed volunteer in charge of cooperation between the city of Greenville, the other towns in our county and the county of Pitt. Telephone me if you see any lack of cooperation at 752-1796 or 717-2796.
“State should hike cigarette, alcohol taxes”, Tom Johnson, Sr., in the Public Forum, The Daily Reflector, April 1, 2003.
The North Carolina General Assembly is now in session. There is a large budget shortfall for the 2003-04 year. Some cuts in spending are possible but not sufficient to cover this deficit.
I wish to propose a modest tax increase on alcohol and tobacco. Several years ago, I was out and about on a very hot day. I stopped at a country store and asked the proprietor, an old codger, if he had water to sell. Yes was his reply and he commented further that he never thought he would see the day when water would be sold in bottles. Recently, I priced a bottle of water at a different country store and the price was almost the same as a bottle of beer. A modest increase in taxes on beer, wine and other alcohol would go a long way toward covering our deficit.
We can also raise the tax on tobacco (House Bill 254 proposes a 75-cent per pack increase, which is not a modest increase as it should be.) Several years ago when Robert Morgan was our attorney general, I had the privilege of being in his office while he talked to the attorney general of New York state. In short, New York wanted North Carolina to raise taxes on tobacco in order to slow the transport of non-tax paid cigarettes from North Carolina to New York. Not to be outdone by his counterpart, Robert Morgan suggested that New York raise taxes on alcohol.
One important point remains. Neither cigarettes nor beer are essential in the cost of living. While I do not subscribe to the name sin tax, I do believe we could make a modest adjustment to these taxes without causing a hardship on our people. North Carolina government provides services to the people. These services are necessary in a civilized society. To the members of the General Assembly, I say, just do it. You will make us proud.
“Citizens can help steer plan for schools”, Tom Johnson, Sr., in the Public Forum, The Daily Reflector, May 6, 2003.
Consultants for the Pitt County Schools have reported a need during the next few years of $216 million for capital expense. There is considerable discussion about a general obligation bond issue for the November election in Pitt County. I wish to make a case for such a vote of the people. It has been several years since Pitt County citizens have been asked to vote on the issuance of bonds for the public schools. The last vote failed. A number of things went wrong. One of these was the failure of the people to buy into the idea early on.
Many of our children are taught in mobile units throughout the county. Lunchrooms were not built for these extra students. Neither were restrooms, media centers, or computer labs. In my opinion, this is a necessary time for having a vote on a modest bond issue. The cost of borrowing money is very low. Contractors need work, and therefore low bids may be possible. We know the need is there. For a beginning, I propose a $30 million issue. We can later phase in additional bonds. Pitt County is growing rapidly, and annual budgets cannot supply the necessary money for capital expense. All of the sales tax income has been obligated for the foreseeable future.
There is another item of immediate need. Matching money for Pitt Community College state allocations, a total of $4.4 million, would match the state money.
You can make a difference in Pitt County. Telephone your school board members and your county commissioners.
“Friendship crossed racial lines”, Tom Johnson, Sr., in the Public Forum, The Daily Reflector, August 10, 2003.
King Gardner died July 22. He was a black man. I am a white man. He was my friend. Why can’t we all be friends?
Remarks to the Chancellor Selection Committee
October 28,2003
Tom Johnson, Professor Emeritus
Thank you for the opportunity to give my recommendations to this committee.
I come to you as one who grew up on the farm in Wayne County, a native son, son of a father with a sixth grade education. When I finished my formal education from UNC Chapel Hill, I had earned the Ph.D. "What does this have to do with your task? Well, we grow our own. For eight years I taught at this flagship institution, and I learned about higher education in North Carolina. At that time, they were choosing their chancellors from within. It was understood that to become chancellor you had to work your way up through the university and after becoming a full professor, you would qualify for the chancellor position. Time after time, usually for five years, chancellors would serve their time and then return to teaching. At any given time, there were three or four former chancellors who had returned to teaching. From time to time they were consulted. They worked as a team. That was power! ! ! Now I say to you we need power.
Much has been said about Chancellor Leo Jenkins and his active involvement in eastern North Carolina and his accomplishments on behalf of eastern North Carolina. That is true, but he had a team in place. Faculty members, staff members, department heads and yes, even the custodians knew that they were on the team.
Chancellor John Howell came up through the ranks. I was three times elected chair of the faculty, and I knew first hand how effective Chancellor Howell was. Among other things, he was highly respected by then President Bill Friday. Chancellor Howell expected faculty, staff and administrators to do their jobs. And they usually did. However, on one occasion the Dean of the School of Education failed to do his job and we were placed on probation by the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education. Decisive action was taken. The Dean lost his job and Chancellor Howell personally took charge of preparing the necessary changes to get us off probation. We made a rapid recovery. In addition to leadership, honesty, integrity, Dr. Howell could laugh at himself.
With regard to laughing at himself, I remember when he related to me how little he knew about football -laughing as he spoke. He didn't have to know about football. We had an athletic director who did. I say to you that he knew more about football than my high school teacher Andy Griffith depicted in "What It Was, Was Football".
There are a number of full professors on campus who qualify to be chancellor. I will speak to some of them and with their permission, I will submit you a list under separate cover. Others will probably do the same.
In my opinion we will be way ahead of the game if you choose to recommend from within as all of these persons will know the system and will be ready to go from day one. Particularly at this time, we cannot afford to waste time.
I wish to say, you have an awesome responsibility. For the sake of our outstanding University, I wish you well and hope that you will work together as you share with each other during the process.
"County facing challenging fiscal crossroad" Tom Johnson, Sr. in The Public Forum, in The Daily Reflector, on April 18,2004
Pitt County was established in 1760 as an arm of state government. This is the time of year when the budget for 04-05 is determined. Most expenditures are mandated by state and federal law.
We need not fret about this. But it is important that the citizens of Pitt County understand there is little flexibility. Since we are growing in population, the cost of county government must increase.
Business leaders and other citizens alike should be grateful for the opportunities we have. Many of the counties to our east are struggling to make ends meet.
We must be cost-effective, however, as we attempt to enhance the health, safety and well-being of our citizens. How this is accomplished will be the subject of considerable discussion among the nine commissioners and the staff over the next few weeks.
This must be accomplished in a year of reevaluation. The value of our homes and businesses has certainly increased in the past eight years. Property taxes have been raised only twice in the past 17 years, two cents each time.
State law as well as wise government requires an unappropriated fund balance of eight percent of the total budget. Most counties of our size hold in reserve considerably more than eight percent. It is important for maintaining our excellent bond rating. We will be going to the bond market on a regular basis in order to meet our needs. And we must meet our needs in the capital expense area. The rating agencies look carefully at the provision of appropriate facilities.
The rating agencies will ask. . .
What is your fund balance?
Are you planning ahead?
Is your tax base growing?
How is the local economy performing?
What new industry has located in your area?
Are you meeting the essential needs of your citizens?
THE DAILY REFLECTOR CANDIDATE SURVEY
CANDIDATE: Tom Johnson, Sr
Age: 69
Address: 1304 Kingsbrook Road
Greenville, NC 27858
Occupation: Retired, ECU Professor
Family: Wife Phyllis
Children: Tom, Jr., David, Stephen, Nancy;
Step-children: D.K. Wooten, Gary Wooten, Tara W. Parker
Political Experience: Four terms – County Commissioner
Professional Experience: Teacher, 42 years (last 35 years – ECU)
Related Associations: Past President, NC Association for Health, Physical
Education, Recreation and Dance
Past Chairman of Faculty at ECU – 1979, 1980, 1981
1. PITT COUNTY SCHOOLS IS SEEKING $69.8 MILLION FOR WHAT IT CALLS URGENT SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY NEEDS. DO YOU BELIEVE THE PROJECTS SHOULD BE SCALED BACK? WHY OR WHY NOT? WHAT FUNDING METHOD DO YOU SUPPORT TO PAY FOR THE WORK? WHY?
The Pitt County School needs should not be scaled back. Instead they should be placed into a master plan for funding over a period of years. The needs described now as urgent developed over many years. There should have been requests from the School Board over time beginning in 1995.
There have been only three requests from the School Board for capital expense funding after the failure of the 1995 bond issue. The first occurred after I personally appeared before the School Board and asked them to request money to build Wintergreen Primary. This school was built on land donated by the County and was paid for by sales tax money designated for school capital expense. The second request came with the School Board’s desire to spend state bond money, most of which was used to build South Central High School. The final request, in 2003 was for $216 million. It is the responsibility of the School Board to plan ahead and to stay up to date with requests for capital expense. During the 2007-2008 budget year, up to $20 million may be borrowed by the county without additional tax increases. The authorization for this expenditure can be made and the process for sale of bonds could begin as early as the 2006-07 budget year. This would be possible because existing bonds for the construction of the J. H. Rose High School building will be paid in full by that time and existing sales taxes may be used to pay for the new money. Elected officials must be honest with the people.
In the 2004-2005 budget, $34,676,694 was authorized by the County Commissioners for the public schools capital expense. An attractive package for a General Obligation Bond Issue, which would provide funding for the next phase of the public schools capital needs, can and should be put before the people in the fall election of 2005. Prior to this vote, the School Board should ask the County Commissioners to advance the money for the necessary planning, including architect’s fees. There is no excuse for the School Board’s failure to have land purchased and drawings ready for projects now underway. “Dickering back and forth” and having no plans upon approval of funding have cost too much money (increased cost of steel, gasoline prices, etc.).
Why go General Obligation Bonds? This gives an opportunity for the School Board and the County Commissioners to explain the needs to the people and gain their support.
2. HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE RELATIONS BETWEEN COMMISSIONERS AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND SHOULD MORE BE DONE TO FOSTER COOPERATION BETWEEN THE BOARDS? WHAT PRIORITIES WOULD YOU SET IN A NEW LONG-TERM FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD?
The current relationship between the Commissioners and the School Board is more one of criticism than cooperation. Therefore, there is certainly room for improvement in communication between these two boards. However, if we wait for 100% cooperation, we will never get anything done. The very foundation of agreement must come with the Superintendent and the County Manager sitting down and working out the details of a long-term funding plan. It will take them many hours in honest discussion. The priorities can only come with these two persons working together. The two boards can then respond to this plan prepared by the Superintendent and the County Manager. It is “pure folly” to expect the two large boards to work this plan out in open session. If necessary, a negotiator should be sought to bring about a plan.
3. STATE OFFICIALS HAVE WARNED PITT COUNTY THAT ITS JAIL IS OVERCROWDED. A RECENT STUDY RECOMMENDED SELLING THE EXISTING JAIL AND BUILDING A MORE COST EFFECTIVE FACILITY. WOULD YOU SUPPORT SUCH A PLAN EVEN THOUGH SELLING THE JAIL WOULDN’T GENERATE ENOUGH REVENUE TO BUILD A NEW FACILITY? WHY OR WHY NOT?
The jail is overcrowded, but the same state officials who warn Pitt County that the jail is overcrowded should see that the state discontinues leaving many convicted state prisoners in Pitt County. It is the state’s legal obligation to take convicted prisoners. The state is criticizing Pitt County when at the same time they are not handling their own obligations.
I would not favor selling the current jail for several reasons. There is a need for expansion and it would not make good business sense to sell for less than the cost of replacement when such a sale would add other concerns. Consideration should be given to the land area that would be required for a replacement facility. The needed space may infringe on the area reserved for a future administrative building. I also have a problem with a private corporation owning a part of the County Office Park.
4. PITT COUNTY MANAGER SCOTT ELLIOTT HAS PROPOSED USING ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCES SUCH AS IMPACT FEES TO GENERATE MORE INCOME FOR THE COUNTY. WOULD YOU SUPPORT AN IMPACT FEE OR LAND TRANSFER YAX. WHY OR WHY NOT?
No, I do not support an impact fee or land transfer tax. These alternative revenue sources, as well as other alternatives, have been explored in the past, and there was considerable public opposition. The current Commissioners chose not to pursue these alternatives which would also require General Assembly approval. Pitt County has asked for an additional one cent sales tax, without success. Why can Mecklenburg County get an extra one cent sales tax and we can’t?
5. NEARLY EVERY PERSON RUNNING FOR ELECTED OFFICE WANTS TO DECREASE TAXES, IMPROVE SCHOOLS, CREATE MORE JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MAKE GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT. EXCLUDING THOSE FOUR TOPICS, WHAT IS ONE ISSUE YOU’D LIKE TO ADDRESS IF ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS? PROVIDE SPECIFICS ON HOW YOU WOULD ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOAL.
Choosing one issue, other than the above, I would choose planning for capital expense needs in addition to schools. These would include helping to fund a Social Services building and the necessary addition to the jail. I was directly involved in the purchase and planning of the Pitt County Office Park. We bought enough land; it is time to complete these additions. We need to proceed to develop architectural drawings for these facilities. The 50% matching Federal funds to support the development of the Social Services building should be requested. The relocation of the Department of Social Services would also provide room for needed expansion by other departments within the County Office Building.
CAMPAIGN POSTCARDS - JUNE - JULY, 2004
A PLAN TO SAVE THE TAXPAYERS OF PITT COUNTY, N. C. FROM ADDITIONAL PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES UPON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ADDITIONAL ONE PERCENT (1%) SALES TAX FOR EDUCATION
At the request of Mr. Eugene James, Chairman of the Pitt County, N.C. Board of County Commissioners, the attached is a first draft of my proposal to be made to the Commissioners. As you can see, the attached Gaston County, N.C. Bill was approved by the General Assembly of North Carolina in its “short session” in the second half of the 2003 year (2004). It was “Session Law 2004-122, House Bill 1520.” (AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE GASTON COUNTY TO LEVY A TEMPORARY HALF CENT LOCAL SALES TAX FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM PROJECTS, IF APPROVED BY THE VOTERS OF THE COUNTY.)
It is important to note that:
1. The Gaston County Bill was approved during the same session as another new sales tax for Dare County for 1% in new sales taxes (see attached copies of the Gaston County Bill and the Dare County Bill).
2. These were the first authority to implement new sales taxes in the State of N.C. following similar approval for Mecklenburg County many years ago.
3. There seems to be no reason Pitt County cannot be given the authority to submit a one percent (1%) sales tax for education to the voters for their approval on November 8, 2005.
4. Most of the members of the General Assembly representing Pitt County or parts of Pitt County have been contacted by me and they are willing to seek approval of this new tax for Pitt County. These members are, in the N. C. House, Marian McLawhorn, Edith Warren and Authur Williams. In the N. C. Senate, John Kerr. Mr. James has indicated that he will make contact with Clark Jenkins.
5. The pressing needs of Pitt County are for education; Pitt Community College and Pitt County Public Schools.
6. The General Obligation Bond Referendum now set for November 8, 2005 can be on the same ballot and this will facilitate its passage in that the voters of Pitt County can vote for both issues and know that the 35 million School Bond Issue can be paid with sales tax income to be received over a period of time.
7. This will also allow, in stages, the funding of Pitt Community College needs.
8. This new sales tax will also allow for replacement funding of some current Pitt School financing in order to free-up money to fund other needs including a new Social Services Building and an addition to the Pitt County Jail.
This is a working document but it is specific enough to proceed for the necessary planning. Planning is essential and there is a great deal of work to be done. This effort must not fail. The needs are too great. In my opinion, it will take thirteen (13) months of planning and work in order to be successful. For further detail you may contact me.
Tom Johnson, Sr.
1304 Kingsbrook Road Phone/Fax (252)752-1796
Greenville, NC 27858.3812 Mobile (252)717-2796
thjohnson1304@earthlink.net TomJohnsonSr.com
Copyright, Tom Johnson, Sr., September 26, 2004.
Following is the proposed bill which is a revision of the Gaston County Bill
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2003
2005
SESSION LAW 2004-122
_________
HOUSE BILL 1520
senate bill ___________
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE
GASTONPITT COUNTY TO LEVY A TEMPORARYHALFONE CENT LOCAL SALES TAX FORECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM PROJECTSEDUCATION, IF APPROVED BY THE VOTERS OF THE COUNTY.The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. Levy. – If the majority of those voting in a special election held pursuant to this act vote for the levy of the taxes, the board of commissioners of
GastonPitt County may, by resolution, levyone-halfone percent(1/2%)(1%) local sales and use taxes in addition to any other State and local sales and use taxes levied pursuant to law.Section 2. Vote – The board of commissioners of
GastonPitt County may direct the county board of elections to conduct a special election on the question of whether to levy localone-halfone percent(1/2%)(1%) sales and use taxes in the county as provided in this Article. The election must be held on November2, 20048, 2005 and must be held in accordance with the procedures of G.S.163-287.Section 3. Ballot Question – The question to be presented on a ballot for a special election concerning the levy of the taxes authorized by this act must be in the following form:
“[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST
One
halfOne percent(1/2%)(1%) temporary local sales and use taxes, in addition to the current local sales and use taxes, to be used only foreconomic developmentprojects and tourism projects. education.Section 4. Administration. – Except as provided in this act, the adoption, levy, collection, administration, and repeal of the additional taxes authorized by this act must be in accordance with Article 39 of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes. A tax levied under this act does not apply to the sales price of food that is exempt from tax pursuant to G.S. 105-165.13B.
A tax levied under this act does not apply to construction materials purchased to fulfill a lump-sum or unit price contract entered into or awarded before the effective date of the levy or entered into or awarded pursuant to a bid made before the effective date of the levy when the construction materials would otherwise be subject to this tax.
Section 5. Distribution. - The Secretary of Revenue must monthly distribute to
GastonPitt County the net proceeds of the tax levied under this act.Gaston County must monthly distribute the following percentages of the net proceeds among the following municipalities. Gaston County must retain the balance of the net proceeds.
Municipality Percentage
City of Belmont 3.5
City of Bessemer City 2.05
City of Cherryville 2.15
Town of Cramerton 1.2
Town of Dallas 1.35
City of Gastonia 50
City of High Shoals 0.3
City of Kings Mountain 0.3
Town of Lowell 1.05
Town of McAdenville .25
City of Mount Holly 3.9
Town of Ranlo 0.9
Town of Spencer Mountain 0.02054
Town of Stanley 1.25
SECTION 6. Use. - A unit of local government may spend the proceeds of the tax levied under this act only for
economic development projects, tourism projects, or both.education.SECTION 7. Expiration. - A tax levied under this act expires eight years after the effective date of its levy.
GastonPitt County’s authorization to levy a tax under this act expires eight years after the effective date of the first tax the county levies under this act, even if the tax has not remained in effect for the entire eight-year period.GastonPitt County cannot extend the temporary tax unless authorized to do so by an act of the General Assembly subject to another referendum.The expiration of a tax pursuant to this act does not affect the rights or liabilities of the county, a taxpayer, or another person arising under the expired tax; nor does it affect the right to any refund or credit of a tax that would otherwise have been available under the expired tax before its expiration.
If the Secretary receives a valid request for a refund of a tax levied under this act after the tax has expired and the net proceeds have been distributed, the Secretary must draw the refund from
GastonPitt County’s share of the net proceeds of the tax it levies under Article 39 of this Chapter.SECTION 8. This act is effective when it becomes law.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the
18th________ day ofJuly_________,2004.2005.
s/
Marc Basnight _____________
President Pro Tempore of the Senate
s/
Richard T. Morgan ______________
Speaker of the House of Representatives
PROPOSAL
Save United States of America Bonds
- Bonds to be sold to United States Citizens only and not transferable.
- Proceeds of the sale of these bonds to be used only for payment of foreign debt.
- Payments to be made as directed by the Federal Reserve Board.
Note: These bonds are intended to reduce our dependence on foreign governments. Since the income could not be used by the President and the Congress to spend for current expense, then the U. S. could move toward a balanced budget. None of the money could be used to replace payments or debt (interest and principal) already scheduled.
Special Note: The United States must stop spending more than its income from taxes or it must raise taxes.
Tom Johnson, Sr.
1304 Kingsbrook Road Phone/Fax (252)752-1796
Greenville, NC 27858.3812 Mobile (252)717-2796
thjohnson1304@earthlink.net TomJohnsonSr.com
Copyright, Tom Johnson, Sr., September 26, 2004.